This is the first study that focuses on the evaluation of a newly discovered oil shale deposit in the eastern Chenor area in the state of Pahang, Malaysia. Previously, this deposit was reported as carbonaceous/coaly mudstone. However, in this study, organic-rich immature carbonaceous mudstone containing above 15 wt % total organic carbon (TOC) is evaluated as oil shale, and that below 3.5 wt % TOC is termed mudstone. Oil shale and mudstone, which are significant sedimentary facies for oil and gas exploration, were investigated using organic geochemical and petrological methods, as well as computed tomography (Micro-CT), pyrolysis, and bulk kinetic techniques, to evaluate their hydrocarbon generation potential. The vitrinite reflectance values are less than 0.5% R o in all of the analyzed samples, indicating low maturity stage. This is corroborated by T max values ranging from 383 to 429 °C. However, based on the kinetic simulation model, the average predicted geological temperature for the onset of hydrocarbon generation is 109 °C, while the peak of hydrocarbon generation is 153 °C. The extractable organic matter and hydrocarbon contents results show that the oil shale samples possess excellent petroleum potential compared to very good values for the studied mudstone. This is consistent with the plots of TOC content versus extractable organic matter, and hydrocarbon yields versus TOC content, commonly used in estimating the hydrocarbon generative potential of source rocks. The TOC of these oil shales is consistent with that of the Tertiary oil shale deposits in China. The analyzed oil shale samples are characterized by a high hydrogen index (HI) of up to 700 mg HC/g TOC (average 517.4 mg HC/g TOC), suggesting oil-prone type I and type II kerogens. However, the open pyrolysis-gas chromatography (Py-GC) result of these samples displays a predominance of n-alkene/n-alkane doublets extending to the long-range homologous series (C7–C33) with considerably high aromatic compounds, which indicates type II/III kerogens’ (mixed oil and gas) generative potential. Similarly, bulk kinetic analysis of the analyzed samples suggests typical petroleum source rock facies derived from heterogeneous (type II/III kerogens) organic matter assemblages. Thus, based on the pyrolysis and bulk kinetic result, the studied oil shale can be classified as “‘cannel coal”’ derived from terrestrial plants materials. This is supported by organic petrological and Micro-CT studies which revealed that the samples are composed mainly of liptinite (sporinite, cutinite, amorphous organic matter, and resinite) and vitrinite, with varied trace amounts of inertinite.
Identification of potential groundwater exploration sites is a difficult activity in hard rock terrain. Groundwater occus in hard rocks at secondary porosity dvoped due to weathering, fracturing, faulting, etc., and this is highly unpredictable and varies dramatically within very short distances, leading to the near-surface aquifer. Topographic, hydrogeological, and geomorphological features in these cases offer valuable clues for the identification of the appropriate location. The present investigation is confined to latitude 5° 45’ 10.508” N and 5° 47’ 53.309” N and longitude 101° 56’ 29.001” E and 101° 59’ 12.249” E. All across Telaga Bijih Area, Tanah Merah, Kelantan, this research focuses on the terrain investigation of groundwater potential zone by applying the geological mapping method and Geographical Information System (GIS) analyses. Briefly, derived from satellite imagery, topographic, geomorphological and hydrogeological observations, promising locations were delineated in hard rock areas of Telaga Bijih village and its surroundings. Several thematic layers including lineament density, lithology, drainage density, and slope density were created for this purpose using the Geographic Information System ( GIS) application to generate groundwater potential zonation map. The final map of groundwater potential plays a key role while narrowing down the selection of potential zones in the study area. The present investigation is very significant in pinpointing the sites for the establishment of new groundwater wells. The areas in north-western and south-eastern parts around Kelisar, Gual and Air Chanal villages are very promising for groundwater exploration. The establishment of new wells will not only make sure the continuous supply of water to the local people but can also be exported to the other places in the vicinity, thus can prove pivotal in revenue generation.
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