diapir

Thân thiện

A geologist points to a diapir exposed in a cliff face.

Definition

Noun: A diapir is a geological structure where a mass of ductile, lower-density rock or salt has flowed upward, piercing and deforming the overlying, more brittle rock layers. This creates a dome-like or mushroom-shaped intrusion.

Usage

The term is used specifically in geology to describe a type of intrusive structure. * The salt dome is a classic example of a diapir. * Geologists studied the diapir to understand the region's tectonic history. * The model shows how the diapir pierced the sedimentary strata.

Advanced Usage

• Diapiric (adjective): Describing the process or characteristics related to a diapir.
  • The diapiric intrusion created complex folding in the surrounding rock.
• Diapirism (noun): The process by which diapirs form and rise.
  • Salt diapirism is a major factor in the formation of certain oil traps.

Variants and Related Words

• Salt dome: A specific and common type of diapir formed from salt.
• Intrusion: A broader term for any body of igneous rock that has crystallized from magma cooling underground. A diapir is one mechanism of intrusion.
• Piercement structure: A synonym emphasizing the piercing of overlying layers.

Synonyms

• Piercement dome
• Intrusive dome

Related Phrases/Concepts

• Diapirie fold: A fold in rock layers caused by the upward movement of a diapir.
• Diapirie structure: A general term for geological features formed by diapirism.

Học thuật

Noun

1. a domed rock formation where a core of rock has moved upward and pierced through the more brittle overlying strata