SUPERGENESIS OF CARBONIFEROUS ANHYDRITES OF NOVAYA ZEMLYA

Abstract Bedrock outcrops of anhydrite in the Alebastrovyye [Alabaster] Islands have been subjected to very intensive gypsification, and the rigorous climatic conditions of the Arctic do not seem to have hindered this process seriously. The products of weathering are almost completely preserved in place in the form of a “gypsum cap,” which is not achieved even in regions with an arid climate. Under deep‐seated conditions the gypsum‐anhydrite transformation usually is metasomatic, with removal of some of the calcium sulfate. The unique landscape formed on the sulfate rocks is described for the first time.