Did Chilean glassy rocks in Atacama desert result from a comet's heat? Here's the answer

glassy rocks found in Atacama desert in Chile originated after a comet exploded. se rocks are composed of minerals only found in extra-terrestrial rocks, says new research. Although it is evident, that an intense heat was generated, 12,000 years ago, around Atacama region which turned  sandy soil into vast fields of silicate glass, scientists have been fairly confused about what triggered it. With this new study, published in journal Geology, researchers claim that y have gared evidence that incident was likely caused after a comet exploded after impact. 

Minerals in silicate glass match a comet's composition

experts claim to have gared solid evidence based on samples of comet called 'Wild 2', which was brought to Earth under NASA's Stardust mission. According to Phys.Org, experts analysed composition and distribution of desert's glasses and compared m with minerals found in Wild 2. Following analysis, it was found that minerals traced on Earth are most likely remains of extraterrestrial rock that melted sandy surface into glass, through heat generated following an explosion. Phys.Org quoted USA-based Brown University professor, Pete Schultz saying,

This is first time we have clear evidence of glasses on Earth that were created by rmal radiation and winds from a fireball exploding just above surface. To have such a dramatic effect on such a large area, this was a truly massive explosion. Lots of us have seen bolide fireballs streaking across sky, but those are tiny blips compared to this.

Comparing composition of two samples, researchers found that minerals like cubanite, troilite and calcium-aluminium-rich inclusions matched with those found in comet samples obtained by NASA.  researchers have confidence in explosion ory as y state that re is evidence of se glasses occurring from a volcanic activity, which leaves m with this new possibility. To this day, a corridor of dark green glass, spanning 75 kilometres, can be found in Atacama desert. Although, some experts argue that glasses might have originated due to ancient grass fires before area turned into a desert after  Pleistocene epoch (11,000 to 2.5 million years ago). 

However, ory of grass fires was rejected after evidence emerged about glasses being twisted, folded, rolled and even thrown while still in molten form, hinting towards meteor impact. Despite being confident with se proofs, researchers said that an even deeper study is required to prove ory. 

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