Affiliation:
1. Department of Civil Engineering, Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu 501-1193, Japan
2. Department of Geology and Petroleum Engineering, National University of Timor Lorosa’e, Dili TL10001, Timor-Leste
Abstract
A geochemical mapping of regional modern river-sand is performed to clarify geological information in the study area of Timor-Leste. Several areas of Timor-Leste including the study area in particular have limited geological information due to limited accessibility and dense vegetation coverage, and deformed, weathered, and erosion-covered materials. A total of 53 modern river sand samples were collected and analyzed. Ten major elements were determined by using wavelength-dispersive X-ray fluorescence. Areas characterized by clastic sedimentary rocks are recognized clearly by elevated concentrations of SiO2, Al2O3, and K2O. Meanwhile, areas covered by carbonate sedimentary rocks are detected by significant concentrations of CaO and MnO. The occurrences of the altered clastic and carbonate sedimentary rocks of the Wailuli and Aitutu Formations due to metamorphic, silicification and other alteration processes were responsible for the elevated concentrations and positive correlation between SiO2, CaO, K2O, and MnO, and CaO, TiO2, and MnO in the midstream and near the downstream areas of the Clerec and Sahe River catchments. The positive correlation observed between TiO2, CaO and MnO may be ascribed to the presence of carbonate components associated with secondary Ti-bearing minerals, which are potentially formed through hydrothermal alteration processes.
Funder
Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Development Studies Program
Human Resources Development in Science and Technology Innovation
Earth Science Laboratory, Faculty of Engineering, Gifu University
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