Chert from Jebel Waqf as Suwwan meteoritic impact structure

摘要

Abstract: A complex, impact structure was recently discovered at Jebel Waqf as Suwwan, in the central part of the eastern region of Jordan. Shatter cones and cataclasis of sandstone and limestone from the outer side of the inner central uplift area confirm the impact origin of the Waqf as Suw-wan structure. Cataclased and deformed chert fragments, nodules and concretions from the surface regolith layer of the outer inner ring were investigated. The microstructures of the collected samples were investigated using XRD(X-ray diffraction), XRF(X-ray Fluorescence)and ESM-EDX(energy Dispersive X-ray analysis)techniques. Brecciation, dislocation, recrystallization processes, and sub-planar jointing and fractures of the chert are among the most important aspects. Additionally, feather features are common planar microstructures in the quartzite breccia. Some of the observations have previously been interpreted as sedimentary features, but since Waqf as Suwwan represents a con-firmed impact structure, it is debatable as to whether some of the observed deformation effects are the result of the impact event.