Water content of glasses from the K/T boundary, Haiti: An indication of impact origin

The water content in seven glass samples from the K/T boundary on Haiti was determined by micro-infrared spectrometry. These glasses are thought to result from impact melting associated with the K/T boundary impact, although this interpretation is not unanimous. The results of the water determinations, 0.013-0.021 wt% H20, show that the Haiti glasses are water-poor. This is a common characteristic of impact glasses and tektites, which usually have water contents below 0.05 wt%, and is not in agreement with interpretations that the Haitian glasses are of volcanic origin.