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Evidence of Cosmic Impact at Abu Hureyra, Syria at the Younger Dryas Onset (~12.8 ka): High-temperature melting at >1200 °C

Title	Evidence of Cosmic Impact at Abu Hureyra, Syria at the Younger Dryas Onset (~12.8 ka): High-temperature melting at >1200 °C
Authors	Andrew M. T. Moore, James P. Kennett, William M. Napier, Ted E. Bunch, James C. Weaver, Malcolm LeCompte, A. Victor Adedeji, Paul Hackley, Gunther Kletetschka, Robert E. Hermes, James H. Wittke, Joshua J. Razink, Michael W. Gaultois, Allen West
Magazine	Scientific Reports
Date	03/06/2020
DOI	10.1038/s41598-020-60867-w
Introduction	The Younger Dryas boundary layer (YDB) at Abu Hureyra (AH), Syria, dated approximately 12,800 years ago, exhibits elevated levels of meltglass, nanodiamonds, microspherules, and charcoal. Analysis indicates that AH meltglass constitutes 1.6 wt.% of the sediment and displays isotropic properties. Elevated concentrations of iridium, platinum, nickel, and cobalt within the YDB suggest the incorporation of meteoritic material with melted local sediment. A significant portion (40%) of the AH glass features carbon-infused, siliceous plant imprints, which laboratory tests indicate formed at temperatures between 1200°C and 1300°C. However, reflectance analysis of the encapsulated carbon points to lower temperatures, up to 1000°C below this range. Conversely, the presence of melted quartz, chromferide, and magnetite grains within the AH glass implies exposure to temperatures ranging from a minimum of 1720°C to over 2200°C. These extreme temperatures challenge theories suggesting meltglass formation from thatched hut fires (1100°C–1200°C) or lightning strikes (due to low remanent magnetism). Furthermore, the low water content (0.02–0.05% H2O) of the meltglass aligns with a tektite-like formation process, ruling out volcanic or anthropogenic origins. This body of evidence supports the hypothesis of a cosmic event occurring at Abu Hureyra around 12,800 years ago, consistent with impacts that deposited high-temperature meltglass, melted microspherules, and/or platinum at other YDB locations across four continents.
Quote	Andrew M. T. Moore, James P. Kennett and William M. Napier et al. Evidence of Cosmic Impact at Abu Hureyra, Syria at the Younger Dryas Onset (~12.8 ka): High-temperature melting at >2200 °C. Sci Rep. 2020. Vol. 10. DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-60867-w
Element	Carbon (C) , Cobalt (Co) , Chromium (Cr) , Hydrogen (H) , Iridium (Ir) , Nickel (Ni) , Oxygen (O) , Platinum (Pt) , Silicon (Si)
Materials	Crystals
Industry	Research & Laboratory

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