Published online by Cambridge University Press: 01 May 2009
The interrelationships of dolomite, anhydrite, gypsum and cargneule (a yellow-brown dedolomitised breccia), are discussed with specific reference to the Gran Paradiso region, Western Alps. The dolomite is a highly deformed rock which occurs along the soles of both early and late-Alpine thrusts. Evidence suggests that cargneule formed late in the geological history of the region. It is suggested that dolomite + anhydrite + water acted as an important decollement horizon. Recent exposure to the surface, hydration of anhydrite to gypsum and dedolomitisation resulted in cargneule formation.