Flow of Arolla and Gneiss Minuti along rising plumes

According to current models, the Alps have been produced by the collision between Europe and Africa. In this collisional context, the Arolla and Gneiss Minuti albite gneiss has been produced by the shearing of granite and granodiorite. Here, I show that the Arolla and Gneiss Minuti form a large V flow pattern on each side of the Zermatt-Saas-Combin. Widespread albitization is observed. Serpentinite lenses are albitized and partially transformed into prasinite. The Combin and the Eclogitic Micaschist Complex (EMC) are affected by albitization. This shows the large availability of aqueous fluids in the Arolla, Gneiss Minuti, Combin, and EMC. Kinematic indicators suggest the downward flow of the Gneiss Minuti along the Zermatt-Saas-Combin. The downward flow of the Gneiss Minuti generates shear that propagates into the Combin and the upper Zermatt-Saas. This shows that the Arolla and Gneiss Minuti flew downward along the body plumes-Zermatt-Saas-Combin during its rise from mantle to crustal depth.