EXCAVATION AND ANALYSIS OF LAYERED TEKTITES FROM NORTHEAST THAILAND -RESULTS OF 1994 FIELD EXPEDITION

We have analyzed the size, shape, composition, and spatial distributio n of 6 kg of layered tektite fragments excavated from a 3 m x 3 m area near the town of Ban Huai Sai in northeast Thailand. Our analysis sug gests that these fragments represent a single homogeneous mass that un derwent fragmentation far in the past and has undergone little disturb ance since its deposition. We have also studied the stratigraphic occu rrence of layered tektites exposed in situ near the town of Ban Huai O m. Tektites were found along a disconformable paleo-erosion surface co vered by recent aeolian sand, similar to other occurrences throughout Southeast Asia. This stratigraphic relationship provides little chrono stratigraphic information and, thus, does nor 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).