Discrediting the late Eocene microspherule layer at Cynthia, Mississippi

Abstract
Abstract— Glassy microspherules recently reported from the late Eocene of central Mississippi are physically and chemically similar to impact‐produced microspherules, especially those from Molino de Cobo, Spain, leading several investigators to conclude that these samples document another late Eocene impact event. A careful evaluation of the sample site and spherule compositions, however, suggests that these glasses are modern contaminants. Similar contaminants could be widespread throughout industrialized countries.