Geochemistry of the Devonian and Permo-Triassic Black Shales in Peninsular Malaysia: Insights into Provenance, Tectonic Setting, and Source Rock Weathering

Selected Malaysian black shale sequences of the Permo-Triassic and Devonian ages that crop out in Central Belt were investigated to discuss their chemical composition, provenance, tectonic setting, weathering history. X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis shows BRSZ Unit 1 has elevated SiO2, TiO2, K2O contents compared Semantan Gua Musang shale. In terms trace elements, element shales. The highest V, U, Pb, Mo relative other two formations. content is significant thought be associated with total organic carbon (TOC) Compared Post-Archean Australian Shale (PAAS), shales are low Fe2O3, MnO, CaO, Na2O, P2O5. deficient K2O, P2O5 enriched MnO. Cu, Ga, Rb, Mo, Sn, U. Except for Pb (mean: 32.3 ppm), largely depleted elements. Similar shales, all concentrations exception Sc 22.3 which slightly higher. Provenance 1, Semantan, derived from felsic intermediate parental source rocks. indicate a collision whereas show affinity continental arc setting. CIA values samples analyzed this study range between 79.4 95.8, indicating an intense warm wet paleoclimatic conditions. average CIW 99.4, 94.5, 98.6, respectively, implying degree