Deformation of Anhydrite–gypsum rocks in central Spitsbergen

Abstract

Early Permian anhydrite–gypsum strata in central Spitsbergen show deformation of sulphate nodules in dolostone (chicken-wire structure) to varying degrees from imbricate to extreme flattening and elongation. These shear zones often occur between undeformed layers of apparently similar strata.The shear zones indicate a minimum displacement of between 0.5 and 1.5 km to the ENE of Zechstein and later strata over the Nordfjorden Block. Resultant folding and faulting over the Billefjorden Fault Zone represent an eastward manifestation of the Eocene West Spitsbergen Orogeny.