Excavation and analysis of layered tektites from northeast Thailand: Results of 1994 field expedition

Abstract

Abstract— 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/m2.

Early Quaternary global terrestrial impact of a whole comet in the Australasian tektite field, newest apparent evidences discovery from Thailand and East Asia

“…This stratigraphic relationship provides little chronostratigraphic information and, thus, does not support a stratigraphic "age paradox" for Australasian tektites. The present-day surface density of layers tektites in this area is 2 to 20 g/m 2 (Fiske et al, 1996).…”

“…The Th/ U ratio is higher in splash-form than in layered Table 2. Major element X-ray fluorescence analyses oflayered tektites from Huai 8ai, Ubon Ratchathani, northeast Thailand (in wt %) (from Fiske et al, 1996). Koeberl, 1992• Schnetzler, 1992t Wasson, 1991 (Wasson, 1991, Fig.…”

“…The largest impact or impacts ejected the microtektites and some splashed formed tektites above the atmosphere while numerous smaller impacts produced a nearly continuous sheet of impact melt across much of Southeast Asia (Wasson, 1991;Wasson and Heins, 1993). Fiske et al (1996) have analyzed (Table 2 and Table 3), shape, composition and spatial distribution of 6 kg of layered tektite fragments excavated from a 3 m x 3 m area near Ban Huai Sai, north of Amphoe Buntharik in Ubon, northeast Thailand. Their analysis suggests that these fragments represent a single homogeneous mass that underwent fragmentation far in the past and has undergone little disturbance since its distribution.…”

Triple oxygen isotope composition of Australasian tektites

“…They are covered with younger, well size‐sorted silts and sands, which were considered to be of eolian origin (Ford ; Wasson ; Fiske et al. ; Schnetzler and McHone ; Sanderson et al. ; Bunopas et al.…”

Source of Australasian tektites: Investigating possible impact sites in Laos

“…Small tektite fragments were found after short searches. This same technique, searching for rock-material quarries beside roads, was used to find Muong Nong-type tektites by Wasson's 1994 field expedition in Thailand (Wasson et al, 1995;Fiske et al, 1996) -200 km to the southwest of our areas in Laos. Indeed, the association of tektites with a lateritic gravel bed directly below yellow or red loess seems to be common across the whole of northeast Thailand (Boonsener, 1991) and Vietnam (Izokh, 1988).…”