Premium
Excavation and analysis of layered tektites from northeast Thailand: Results of 1994 field expedition
Author(s) -
Fiske Peter S.,
Putthapiban Prinya,
Wasson John T.
Publication year - 1996
Publication title -
meteoritics and planetary science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.09
H-Index - 100
eISSN - 1945-5100
pISSN - 1086-9379
DOI - 10.1111/j.1945-5100.1996.tb02050.x
Subject(s) - geology , homogeneous , aeolian processes , deposition (geology) , fragmentation (computing) , excavation , geochemistry , paleontology , sediment , computer science , physics , thermodynamics , operating system
— We have analyzed the size, shape, composition, and spatial distribution of 6 kg of layered tektite fragments excavated from a 3 m × 3 m area near the town of Ban Huai Sai in northeast Thailand. Our analysis suggests that these fragments represent a single homogeneous mass that underwent fragmentation far in the past and has undergone little disturbance since its deposition. We have also studied the stratigraphic occurrence of layered tektites exposed in situ near the town of Ban Huai Om. Tektites were found along a disconformable paleo‐erosion surface covered by recent aeolian sand, similar to other occurrences throughout Southeast Asia. This stratigraphic relationship provides little chronostratigraphic information and, thus, does not support a stratigraphic “age paradox” for the Australasian tektites. The present‐day surface density of layered tektites in this area is 2 to 20 g/m 2 .