Geology Report of Timor Island Onshore Block D1

and E1 (ONSHORE)
Elizia Da Costa Alves
National Petroleum and Mineral Authority (ANPM)
Exploration, Research Innovation and Acreage Promotion
Geology and Geophysics Interns
2022
Abstract
The geology report and desktop study of block D1 and E1 in case of stratigraphy and petroleum
system. The localization of block D1 located in South of Timor-Leste and Block E1 is located in
Southwest of Timor-Leste. Geologically, demonstrated 12 formations in block D1, there are 5
formations that have good potential for petroleum system; Viqueque Formation, Wailuli
Formation, Aituto Formation, Maubisse Formation and Cribas Formations. In block E1
demonstrated 12 formations ;). In blocks D1 and E1 are good for petroleum system based on that
formation that demonstrated the blocks such as: Maubisse Formation, Aituto Formation, Wailuli
Formation, Viqueque Formation and Cribas Formation. The good trap in block D1 and E1 are
fault and fold.

Keywords: The petroleum system and stratigraphy of block D1 and E1.

 1. Introduction

Timor Island is an island that geologically good potential for accumulation of high quality of
hydrocarbon. The AAPG Bali Conference, oral communication (2000), presented that the
succession in Late Triassic – Early Jurassic as a world class of source rock of hydrocarbon. The
Timor Island demonstrated formations that commenced it’s deposition in Triassic – Jurassic are
Aituto Formation and Wailuli formation (Audley Charles, (1968 & 2011), Haig (2007), Haig et
al (2013 & 2019), Charlton (2001 & 2002)). The Viqueqe Formation is the youngest formation
that presented good potential for petroleum system in Timor Island.

Geographically Timor Island is situated in Southeast of Asia and Northwest of Australia. The
island is divided between Nusa Tengara Timur and Timor Leste on the eastern and the western of
the island is part of Indonesia. Timor Leste is the newest country in the Southeast Asia,
independent from Indonesian occupation in 2002.

In 2021 Timor Leste government release second licensing ground of 18 new blocks in total,
for petroleum potential in Timor Leste area. The total 18 blocks, 7 blocks are located in onshore
and 11 blocks are located in offshore. Therefore, the geology report and desktop study focus on
Block E and F in case of stratigraphy and petroleum system.

The localization of Block D1 is located in South of Timor-Leste cover three (3)

municipalities such as: Manufahi, Manatutu and Viqueque, comprises of twelve (12) formations.
Block E1 is located in Southwest of Timor-Leste cover four (4) municipalities such as: Ainaro,
Bobonaro, Covalima and Ermera, comprises of twelve (12) formations. In blocks D1 and E1 are
good for petroleum system based on that formation that demonstrated the blocks such as:
Maubisse Formation, Aituto Formation, Wailuli Formation, Viqueque Formation and Cribas
Formation.

2. Regional geology of Timor Island

Collision between Australian continental crust and the Banda Arc commenced at approximately
25 Ma in the New Guinea region (collision with the Pacific and Caroline plates) and continued
diachronously westwards (Hall 2002; Keep et al. 2003). The age for collision in the Timor region
has been reviewed by Keep & Haig (2010), Spakman & Hall (2010), Audley-Charles (2011),
Hall (2011) and Haig (2012). Detailed stratigraphic evidence (Haig & McCartain 2007; Keep &
Haig 2010; Haig 2012) suggests that continental crust, likely an outlying continental plateau
(Timor Plateau) resembling present-day Exmouth Plateau, entered the subduction zone in the
Timor region during the Late Miocene, between 9.8 Ma and 5.7 Ma, causing disruption in Timor
and eventual jamming of the subduction zone at approximately 5.7 Ma. Collision caused
subduction to cease, evidenced by a present lack of deep seismic activity and a cessation of
volcanism in the arc immediately north of Timor (Chamalaun & Grady 1978; with timing issues
discussed by Ely et al. 2011, p. 492).

Since collision, Timor Island has undergone uplift and exhumation in excess of 5 km (Keep &
Haig 2010) through processes of crustal thickening (Richardson & Blundell 1996) and isostatic
rebound following a possible detachment of the down-going slab (Price & AudleyCharles 1987;
Audley-Charles 2004; Ely et al. 2011). Its emergence possibly had begun by 5.7 Ma (Haig 2012)
and the island continues to undergo uplift of around 1.5 mm/ year (Audley-Charles 1986).

The tectonostratigraphic framework of Timor includes the Permian to Middle Jurassic

Gondwana Megasequence deposited within interior basins of the East Gondwanan rift system
(Harris et al. 1998; Harris 2006; Haig & McCartain 2007, 2010); Late Jurassic to early Late
Miocene Australian Margin Megasequence deposited on the passive margin that, in the vicinity
of Timor, subsided to middle bathyal water depths during the Early Cretaceous to form the
‘Timor Plateau’ (Haig & McCartain 2007; Keep & Haig 2010); Jurassic to Early Miocene Banda
Terrane of Asian affinity (AudleyCharles & Harris 1990, Harris 2006, Haig et al. 2008); and the
Synorogenic Megasequence (Haig & McCartain 2007; Roosmawati & Harris 2009; Haig 2012).
The Bobonaro Melange (¼Synorogenic Melange) recognised by Harris et al. (1998), Haig &
McCartain (2007) and Haig et al. (2008) is no longer considered a coherent stratigraphic unit. It
includes structural melange zones probably caused by diapirism (Barber et al. 1986; Harris et al.
1998) generated within Triassic clay units (Haig & McCartain 2010; see also Brunnschweiler
1978). However, in many areas, incipient diapirism has resulted in ‘broken-formation’
deformation (Harris et al. 1998) within units that can be identified as particular formations (e.g.
much of the Babulu Formation recognised here).

3. Tectonic Evolution of Timor Island

The Australian continental crust moves northward relative to the Southeast Asian plate with
velocity 70 to 80 km/Ma (Minster & Jordan, 1978; Daly et al., 1987; DeMets et al., 1990; Smith
et al., 1990). The subduction process occurred 12 - 3.5 million years ago, and was followed by
the continental margin and Banda arc collision approximately 3.5 - 2 million years ago (Audley-
Charles, 2004). Haig & McCartain (2007) proposed a different timing of collision; they believed
that it occurred in Late Miocene, prior to time proposed by Audley-Charles (Keep et al., 2009).

The uplifting of Timor began approximately 3.35 to 4.2 million years ago (Haig &
McCartain, 2007). The emergence of Timor has a lot to do with Banda Arc, with its structure of
Double Island, horseshoe shaped arc located in the meeting point of the three plates: Indo-
Australian, Pacific, and Eurasia (Hamilton, 1979).
 According to Charlton et al. (2001), fold structures emerge as the Aitutu Anticline with
Southwest - Northeast direction and Cribas Anticline with West - East orientation. The three
main faults of Timor are Semau Fault, Menamena Fault, and Belu Fault (Fig. 1). They are left
lateral-strike slip faults facing Northeast - Southwest direction. In addition, there is also the
Tunsip-Toko Fault, which is also a left lateral-strike slip fault but has northwest - Southeast
orientation (Fig. 1)
Figure 1. – Geological and structural map of Timor Island, showing the main faults of the territory [Source: adapted from Charlton,
2002b].
 4. Stratigraphy of The Timor Island

Based on tectono-stratigraphy perspective, the Island of Timor consists of three major units
named Allochthon, Para-autochthon, and Autochthon (Audley-Charles, 1968, 1986, 2011; Carter
et al., 1976; Barber et al., 1977; Barber, 1981; Charlton et al., 1991) (Fig. 2):

i) Allochthon consists of successions originated from pre-collision Banda forearc. The

unit includes Mutis and Lolotoi Complex, Palelo Group, Same Fm, Barique Fm, Noil
Toko Fm, Cablac Fm, Manamas Fm (Oecusse Volcanic), Miomaffu Tuff, Haulasi
Fm, Dartollu Limestone, Metan and Aileu Fms (Charlton et al., 1991; Audley-
Charles, 2011);
ii) Para-autochthon is the unit with the largest spread and is composed of materials
similar to those from the Australia continental margin that thrusts back onto Australia
(Barber, 1977 in Charlton et al., 1991). It is the bedrock of Timor and is characterized
by the Atahoc Fm, Maubisse Fm, Cribas Fm, Niof Fm, Babulu Fm, Aitutu Fm,
Wailuli Fm, Oebat Fm, Nakfunu Fm and Ofu Fm (Audley-Charles, 2011);
iii) Autochthon consists of raised coral reefs, Viqueque turbidite/Viqueque Fm/Noele
Fm (Kenyon, 1974) and Batuputih Fm (Audley-Charles, 1986, 2011).

The new research and many changes in the interpretation of mapping units, dating and
naming lithostratigraphic (Charlton et al. 1991) and tectonostratigraphical (Haig et al., 2007:
Haig & Bandini 2013) began in the 1970s.

i) The Gondwana Megasequence composed by formations ranging from Permian to

Middle Jurassic, and deposited in an intracratonic setting, after the continental breakup at
about 155 Ma (Haig & McCartain, 2007);
ii) Australian Margin Megasequence: composed of shelf facies from the late Jurassic that
are overlain by deep-sea pelagic deposits, until the late Miocene (Haig & McCartain,
2007). This revealed that the subsidence had occurred in the early Cretaceous period
(Keep & Haig, 2010);
iii) Banda Terrane: composed of rock Fms from Jurassic to Early Miocene. It includes the
LolotoiMutis Metamorphic complex, associated with high degree metamorphism such as
peridotite, siliciclastic sediments from Cretaceous-Eocene belonging to Palelo Group,
shallow marine limestone and outer neritic mudstone of Eocene - Upper Oligocene and
the Late Miocene (Keep et al., 2009);
iv) Synorogenic Megasequence, composed of rock Fms from Late Miocene to Pleistocene.
The collision process originated the Synorogenic Megasequence mélange through the
diapirism process, derived from Jurassic and Triassic (Barber et al., 1986; Harris et al.,
 1998) and through the gravity sliding process (Audley-Charles 1965, 1968; Carter et al.,
1976).
v) Sin-orogenic Mélange: Previously treated with a tectonostratigraphic unit (Haig et al,
2007), although recently treated with a Mélange structural zone (Haig & McCartain,
2010; Haig et al, 2012; Haig & Bandini (2013) probably caused by the diapirism process
and conceived within the Triassic clay unit.
vi) Syn-orogenic association: it is a deposition after the first collision phase of the Late
Miocene chaotic shortering carry through allochthones terrain.
vii) Association of Timor Scott Plateau: Upper Jurassic outer neritic (Oe Baat Group) was
cared through the Cretaceous to early and late Miocene deep in the water of the
carbonate pelagites (Kalbano Group, similar to the current Exmouth Plateau succession
stratigraphy).
viii) East Gondwana Interior Rift Association: Intra-opening basin deposition of basinal
and shelf facies that classified the metamorphic base.
ix) Overtrust terrane association: Fragmentation of the oceanic crust of Gondwana or
Ancient Island Arc (young to old).
Figure 2. Comparison of the lithostratigraphic unit of Timor from the ancient study by Audley-Charles (1968 and 2011))., and recent study the
Stratigraphic Reconstruction of Timor (Haig & McCartain, 2010; Haig et al. (2007 & 2012; Davydov et al, 2013), and Hai
 5. Petroleum system

Timor petroleum systems occur within the Mesozoic succession, particularly in the Late
Triassic and Jurassic section. Oil seeps from East Timor analyzed by Ware and Ichram (1997)
and Peters et al. (1999) point to Upper Triassic-Jurassic source rocks, although, as mentioned
above, the petroleum systems may not be identical in eastern and western Timor. In West
Timor,'t Hoen and van Es (1928) reported a Late Triassic bituminous shale sample containing
23.3% TOC (location in Figure 3). Robertson (1998) recorded Upper Triassic source rocks from
the same area with up to 8% TOC and hydrogen indices up to 396, indicating oil prone kerogen
with good to very good source quality. Lower Jurassic source rock samples range from good
quality for oil and gas to very good for oil. The Permian succession may additionally have minor
to fair source potential for gas. The main source rock sequences in Timor are likely to be directly
comparable to the Late Triassic source rocks of Seram and Jurassic source rocks of the
Northwest Shelf (Peters et al., 1999).

The most likely reservoir sequence in Timor is the Late Triassic -Early Jurassic `Malita-
equivalent' and `Plover-equivalent' (after the Malita and Plover Formations of the Northwest
Shelf) encountered in the Banli-1 exploration well in southern West Timor (Sani et al., 1995;).
However, on the Northwest Shelf the fluviatile Malita Formation is a potential reservoir target,
and contemporaneous Middle-Upper Triassic marginal marine strata (perhaps a better analogy
for the shallow marine `Malita-equivalent' in Timor) form the main reservoirs in the Challis and
Talbot fields (Wormald, 1988; Bourne and Faehrmann, 1991). In the Challis field reservoir
quality is described as excellent, with effective porosities in the main reservoir sand averaging
29%, and horizontal permeabilities ranging between 500-7000md. The Plover Formation forms
part of the reservoir sequence in the Jabiru field (MacDaniel, 1988) and the Laminaria and
Corallina fields (Smith et al., 1996).

In Jabiru, Lower Jurassic marine sands of the Plover Formation average 21% porosity and
have permeabilities in the range 600- 10,000md (MacDaniel, 1988). In the LaminariaCorallina
fields the Plover Formation contains excellent reservoir quality sandstones, with porosities of
about 17% and permeabilities up to 2500md (Smith et al., 1996). Late Triassic -Early Jurassic
potential reservoir sandstones is Middle Jurassic shales of the Wai Luli Formation (Figure 4).
The Wai Luli Formation reportedly has a stratigraphic thickness of up to about 1km in East
Timor (Audley-Charles, 1968), but in the Banli-1 well it was only about 100m thick (Sani et al.,
1995). In Banli-1 the reduction in thickness is likely to be the result of significant structural
thinning, as these shales also form the primary decollement level separating shallow structural
complexity from a deeper, less intensely deformed structural domain (see the following section).
From a sealing perspective, however, it is significant that despite the fairly intense structural
thinning of the Wai Luli Formation in Banli-1, a substantial thickness of shales was still
encountered. The sealing quality of the Wai Luli shales is demonstrated by overpressuring within
this formation in Banli-1 (Sani et al., 1995) and in wells in East Timor.
Figure 3. The petroleum highlight of Timor Island (Charlton, 2002).
Figure 4. Stratigraphy of Timor, showing the main source and reservoir sequences (Charlton, 2002)
 6. Stratigraphy and Petroleum System in Timor-Leste of blocks D1 and E1

The Timor Island shape from collision between two continents, Banda Arc and Australia
margin 4Ma and resulted complexity of structure, stratigraphy and petroleum system (Audley
Charles 1968, 2011). The stratigraphy of Timor Island based on Audley Charles (1968, 2011)
divided in to three (3) units such as: Allochthone, Autochthone and Para-Autochthone.

Figure 5. Geology Map of Audley Charles (1968) and localization

Block D1 is located in South of Timor-Leste cover three (3) municipalities such as: Manufahi,
Manatutu and Viqueque, comprises of twelve (12) formations. Block E1 is located in Southwest
of Timor-Leste cover four (4) municipalities such as: Ainaro, Bobonaro, Covalima and Ermera,
comprises of twelve (12) formations. Batch BACTH
6.1. Stratigraphy of Block D1 and E1

The stratigraphy of block D1 and E1 based on Audley Charles (1968, 2011) divided to
three (3) units, Allochthon, Autochthone, Para-Autochthone Presented twelve (12)
formations of each block. The block D1 demonstrated mostly of Australia mega-sequence
product. The block D1 comprises of twelve (12) formations, such as: Ainaro gravels, Suai
formation, Baucau limestone, Dilor conglomerate and Viqueque formation (Autochthone);
Bobonaro scaly clay, Cablac limestone, Barique formation, Dartollu limestone, Lolotoe
complex (Allochthone); Wailuli formation, Aitutu formation (Para-Autochthone). The oldest
formation located in block D1 is Lolotoe Complex (Pre-Permian) and the youngest one is
Ainaro Gravels (Post-Pliocene).

Figure 6. The litostratigraphy of block D1

 The block E1 demonstrated mostly of Australia mega-sequence product. The block E1
comprises of twelve (12) formations, such as: Ainaro gravels, Suai formation, Dilor
conglomerate and Viqueque formation (Autochthone); Bobonaro scaly clay,

Cablaqui limestone, Maubisse formation, Aileu formation, Lolotoe complex

(Allochthone); Wailuli formation, Aitutu formation, Cribas formation (Para-Autochthone).
The oldest formation located in block E1 is Lolotoe Complex (Pre-Permian) and the
youngest one is Ainaro Gravels (Post-Pliocene).

Figure 7. The litostratigraphy of block E1

6.2 The petroleum system of block D1 and E1

Timor Island has been the subjects of hydrocarbon exploration since early in the twentieth on
century (Charlton 2022).Timor Island petroleum system occur within the Mesozoic
succession, particularly in the Late Triassic and Jurassic section (Charlton 2022). The Timor
formation which is deposition in Mesozoic is: Aitutu Formation and Wailuli Formation. The
Viqueque Formation is the youngest formation in Miocene age that has a good potential for
petroleum system in Timor (Audley Charles, 1968).

Source rock: Rocks of late Triassic To early Jurassic age deposited under restricted marine
conditions were described as ‘World Class’ source rock for oil by A. Livesey (AAPG Bali
Conference, oral communication, 2002). In block D1 and E1 demonstrated two (2)

formations Wailuli formation and Aitutu formation in Late Triassic to Early Jurassic that
good for generated hydrocarbon. The Maubisse formation is a source rock in Permian age
and unit of Allochthone. Based on (Charlton 2001) The Cribas formation as sequences of
source rock.

Reservoir rock: The primary reservoir target in Timor-Leste is an unnamed series of

sandstone deposited under shallow marine conditions during late Triassic to middle Jurassic
times. This sandstone was encountered in the subsurface, Equivalent lithology on the
northwest shelf (The malita and plover formation, and lateral equivalents) (Charlton 2002).
The reservoir rocks in block D1 and E1 comprises of three (3) formation Wailuli formations
and Aitutu formation and the Viqueque formation is the youngest formation and was the
good reservoir for petroleum system. In block E1 the formation in Permian that had good
potential for oil and gas accumulation which is Cribas formation.

Seal: an impression rock that retains the hydrocarbons within the reservoir rocks. Thick
Middle Jurassic shales of the Wailuli formation are likely to form a seal (Charlton, 2002). In
Viqueque formation the rock of Clay stone can form a seal (Audley Charles, 1968)

Trap: a geological structure to retain the oil within the reservoir. Timor Island uplifts the
collision of Australia Margin and Banda Arc resulted Timor complex. The trap in block D1
and E1 controlled by fold and fault.
 7. Conclusion

Timor Collision between Australian continental crust and the Banda Arc commenced at
approximately 25 Ma in the New Guinea region (collision with the Pacific and Caroline plates)
and continued diachronously westwards (Hall 2002; Keep et al. 2003). Since collision, Timor
Island has undergone uplift and exhumation in excess of 5 km (Keep & Haig 2010). The
stratigraphy of block D1 and E1 based on Audley Charles (1968, 2011) divided to three (3) units,
Allochthon, Autochthone, Para-Autochthone Presented twelve (12) formations of each block.
Timor Island has been the subjects of hydrocarbon exploration since early in the twentieth on
century (Charlton 2022).Timor Island petroleum system occur within the Mesozoic succession,
particularly in the Late Triassic and Jurassic section (Charlton 2022). In blocks D1 and E1 are
good for petroleum system based on that formation that demonstrated the blocks such as:
Maubisse Formation, Aituto Formation, Wailuli Formation, Viqueque Formation and Cribas
Formation.
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