| Abstract: | Abstract— Reimold et al. question our interpreted impact origin of the Fohn structure, Timor Sea, and criticise methodological aspects of the seismic reflection survey of Fohn structure and chemical analytical techniques. Our impact interpretation resulted from (1) remarkable analogies between the seismic structures of massive core‐annular trough structure of volcanic diatremes, and the syncline‐ringed central uplift of impact structures; (2) occurrence of Cretaceous microfossils in the drill chips, which suggested deep excavation; (3) lack of seismic evidence for volcanic feeders or conduits, and (4) the ultramafic chemistry of drill chips (Ni < 428 ppm; Co < 51 ppm; Cr < 518 ppm). Here we indicate that, since publication of our paper, we have uncovered in Fohn‐1 drill cuttings rare apatite‐rich lamproite mineral assemblages consisting of pseudomorphs of analcite after leucite, nontronite‐altered olivine, diopside, alkali pyroxene, Ti‐phlogopite, apatite, Mg‐ilmenite, priderite, rutile, and secondary barite. The new data explain the high gamma ray log anomalies in Fohn‐1 well and shed new light on the origin of the Fohn structure. Our error serves to clarify criteria for distinguishing between buried diatremes and impact structures. |
