thumbnail

Spalled, aerodynamically modified moldavite from Slavice, Moravia, Czechoslovakia

Science
By:

Links

  • The Publications Warehouse does not have links to digital versions of this publication at this time
  • Download citation as: RIS | Dublin Core

Abstract

A Czechoslovakian tektite or moldavite shows clear, indirect evidence of aerodynamic ablation. This large tektite has the shape of a teardrop, with a strongly convex, deeply corroded, but clearly identifiable front and a planoconvex, relatively smooth, posterior surface. In spite of much erosion and corrosion, demarcation of the posterior and the anterior part of the specimen (the keel) is clearly preserved locally. This specimen provides the first tangible evidence that moldavites entered the atmosphere cold, probably at a velocity exceeding 5 kilometers per second; the result was selective heating of the anterior face and perhaps ablation during the second melting. This provides evidence of the extraterrestial origin of moldavites.
Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Spalled, aerodynamically modified moldavite from Slavice, Moravia, Czechoslovakia
Series title Science
Volume 146
Issue 3645
Year Published 1964
Language English
Larger Work Type Article
Larger Work Subtype Journal Article
Larger Work Title Science
First page 790
Last page 791
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details