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Philippine Tektites and the Tektite Problem in General *
Author(s) -
Beyer H. Otley
Publication year - 1940
Publication title -
contributions of the society for research on meteorites
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1945-5100
pISSN - 0096-2813
DOI - 10.1111/j.1945-5100.1940.tb00306.x
Subject(s) - geology , meteorite , impact crater , volcano , fell , paleontology , natural (archaeology) , geochemistry , astrobiology , physics
Great showers of tektites fell upon certain parts of the earth at widely separated geologic periods. The four major geologic groups are: The typical forms—spheroids, disks, or oval, cylindrical, dumb‐bell‐shaped, and pointed, drop‐shaped bodies—suggest natural shapes assumed by molten glass revolving in the atmosphere or a similar gaseous medium. The Australites show a partial re‐fusing of the original glass sphere and backward flow, producing a peculiar button‐like appearance. Group three, which includes the Philippine tektites, may be divided into four major subgroups: (1) Indochinites; (2) Rizalites; (3) Billitonites and Malaysianites; and (4) Java Tektites. The characteristics etc . of these bodies are discussed in some detail. Of the various theories of the origin of tektites, three are still worthy of consideration. These are: (1) the theory of volcanic or other earthly origin; (2) the burning, light‐metal meteorite theory; and (3) the meteorite explosion‐crater theory. An astronomical theory of tektites, proposed by Dr. W. Carl Rufus, is summarized and briefly criticized, pro and con. The Philippines present a unique opportunity for the study of the richest known deposit of tektites in their natural environment. The only local students of the problem are the writer and Dr. Miguel Selga, S.J., joined recently by Mr. J. Van Eck. To stimulate local interest, the present outline was presented to the Philippine National Research Council.1 The Ivory‐Coast deposit, believed to be Mesozoic; 2 The Moldavites, or European, from the Helvetian strata of mid‐Miocene; 3 The Indo‐malaysianites, undoubtedly mid‐Pleistocene; and 4 The Australites, believed to be post‐Pleistocene or recent.