The depositional environment of the Mallawa Formation in the Southern Arm of Sulawesi, Indonesia, Utilizing palynomorphs

Abstract

Abstract This research was conducted on the sandstone track in Tellumpanuae, Mallawa District, Maros Regency, South Sulawesi, which is the type locality of the Mallawa Formation. The study aims to determine the depositional environment of the Mallawa Formation through palynomorph fossil analysis. The Mallawa Formation is believed to consist of Middle to Late Eocene sedimentary rocks deposited in a deltaic environment. Field methods, including vertical stratigraphic measurements (measuring section), were combined with laboratory analysis. The lithologies encountered include sandstone, claystone, siltstone, coal, carbonate sandstone, and limestone. Palynomorph analysis was conducted on four samples, with quantitative assessments using a polarizing microscope at 40x magnification. The samples were selected to ensure a representative distribution of palynomorphs. This study identified 22 Pollen, five spore taxa, and marine palynomorphs. These findings provide insights into the age and depositional environment of the Mallawa Formation and suggest a deltaic setting influenced by marine incursions. The results contribute to our understanding of the region’s geological history and highlight the importance of palynomorphs in reconstructing paleoenvironments.

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