1. n. [Geology]

A mushroom-shaped or plug-shaped diapir made of salt, commonly having an overlying cap rock. Salt domes form as a consequence of the relative buoyancy of salt when buried beneath other types of sediment. The salt flows upward to form salt domes, sheets, pillars and other structures. Hydrocarbons are commonly found around salt domes because of the abundance and variety of traps created by salt movement and the association with evaporite minerals that can provide excellent sealing capabilities.

See related terms: anhydrite,  caprock,  caprock,  diapir,  dome,  evaporite,  halite,  seal,  sediment,  subsalt,  trap