title: Microtektites, microkrystites, and spinels from a late pliocene asteroid impact in the southern ocean.
abstract: The properties of glassy spherules found in sedimentary deposits of a late Pliocene asteroid impact into the southeast Pacific are similar to those of both microtektites and microkrystites. These spherules probably formed from molten silicate droplets that condensed from an impact-generate vapor cloud. The spherules contain inclusions of magnesioferrite spinels similar to those in spherules found at the Cretaceous-Tertiary boundary, indicating that both sets of spherules are impact debris formed under similar physical and chemical conditions.
authors.forename: S V
authors.initials: SV
authors.lastname: Margolis
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Claeys
authors.forename: F T
authors.initials: FT
authors.lastname: Kyte