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<p>UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kamphaeng Phet, Thailand, once part of the Sukhothai Kingdom, are built with laterite (e.g., temples, pagodas, and city walls). Four laterite deposits (Lan Dokmai Tok, Nong Pling, Phran Kratai, and Nong Hua Wua) have been found in the immediate vicinity and may have served as sources for construction materials. However, no studies have been conducted on this topic in the region. This study aims to analyze the geochemistry of laterite from four sites to explore and improve our understanding of their formation stages and processes. Field investigations identified various morphological types of nodular laterite, including vermiform, pisolitic, pisolith, and ferruginised. Darker-colored laterites (black, brown, and red) have greater relative hardness compared to their lighter-colored counterparts (pink, yellow, and white). Based on XRD and XRF analysis, the darker-colored laterites contain high concentrations of secondary iron minerals (hematite, goethite, and/or magnetite) and high iron oxide contents (&gt;35 wt.%). In contrast, lighter-colored laterites predominantly comprise secondary clay minerals (kaolinite, montmorillonite, and/or muscovite) and exhibit lower iron oxide contents. Based on SiO<sub>2,</sub> Al<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> and Fe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> concentrations, these laterites have undergone moderate to strong laterization processes. The presence of gabbro core stones and minerals such as hercynite and fayalite in laterite samples from Lan Dokmai Tok suggests that gabbro is the parent rock. In a tropical climate, the parent rock undergoes weathering processes for a long period, resulting in secondary clay and iron minerals. The concentration of the iron minerals has been controlled by different conditions such as water table levels and surrounding geological features (e.g., bedrock type, or faults). The geomorphological setting and thickness of all laterite sites indicate in situ formation. All tested laterites are suitable building materials and were likely integral for constructing historical sites. These findings can provide valuable information for archeological research in the region.</p>

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Geochemistry of laterite around UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kamphaeng Phet, Thailand

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  • 发表日期：

    2025年2月19日

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  • Thitiphong Waikhamnuan,
  • Sakonvan Chawchai,
  • Raphael Bissen

摘要

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kamphaeng Phet, Thailand, once part of the Sukhothai Kingdom, are built with laterite (e.g., temples, pagodas, and city walls). Four laterite deposits (Lan Dokmai Tok, Nong Pling, Phran Kratai, and Nong Hua Wua) have been found in the immediate vicinity and may have served as sources for construction materials. However, no studies have been conducted on this topic in the region. This study aims to analyze the geochemistry of laterite from four sites to explore and improve our understanding of their formation stages and processes. Field investigations identified various morphological types of nodular laterite, including vermiform, pisolitic, pisolith, and ferruginised. Darker-colored laterites (black, brown, and red) have greater relative hardness compared to their lighter-colored counterparts (pink, yellow, and white). Based on XRD and XRF analysis, the darker-colored laterites contain high concentrations of secondary iron minerals (hematite, goethite, and/or magnetite) and high iron oxide contents (>35 wt.%). In contrast, lighter-colored laterites predominantly comprise secondary clay minerals (kaolinite, montmorillonite, and/or muscovite) and exhibit lower iron oxide contents. Based on SiO2, Al2O3 and Fe2O3 concentrations, these laterites have undergone moderate to strong laterization processes. The presence of gabbro core stones and minerals such as hercynite and fayalite in laterite samples from Lan Dokmai Tok suggests that gabbro is the parent rock. In a tropical climate, the parent rock undergoes weathering processes for a long period, resulting in secondary clay and iron minerals. The concentration of the iron minerals has been controlled by different conditions such as water table levels and surrounding geological features (e.g., bedrock type, or faults). The geomorphological setting and thickness of all laterite sites indicate in situ formation. All tested laterites are suitable building materials and were likely integral for constructing historical sites. These findings can provide valuable information for archeological research in the region.