NEOTECTONIC ANALYSIS OF BINTULU: INSIGHTS FROM DIGITAL ELEVATION MODEL AND FIELD SURVEY

Research associated with Neotectonic activities involves geomorphological deformation which preserves its evidences on geomorphic markers. Among the prominence geomorphic markers are fluvial and marine terraces as well as drainage patterns. Terraces are landforms which are associated with tectonics, climate and geomorphic process. It reacts with tectonic process of vertical incision of its bedrocks or unconsolidated sediments. Meanwhile, drainage patterns are also very sensitive in response to the tectonics activities that take place around it. Numerous research has been conducted on tectonic evolutions of Bintulu but limited study has been performed on its Neotectonic activities associated with geomorphological deformation. Therefore, this research assesses Neotectonic activities around Bintulu area, Sarawak by analyzing evidences from the geomorphic markers such as terraces and drainage patterns. The objectives are to assess evidences of Neotectonic activities around Bintulu area. To accomplish its objectives, the methodology is divided into three phases; Pre-field survey, field survey and post-field survey. The results of this study incorporate knowledge in Digital elevation Model (DEM) analysis and hypsometric integral to synthesize with evidences captured during field mapping. Field survey are conducted along transect of terraces to validate the analysis from Digital Elevation Model (DEM). The fluvial geomorphology around Bintulu reflects the late Neogene to Quaternary active folding. It shows that the response of rivers to tectonic deformation has a major role in late Neogene to Quaternary active folding. DEM data allows large scale landforms such as terraces to be analyzed spatially. Combination of DEM analysis and field evaluation allow to explain uplift associated to recent tectonic activity around Central Sarawak.