salt dome

American  

noun

Geology.

1. a domelike rock structure that is formed beneath the earth's surface by the upward movement of a mass of salt, may reach thousands of feet in vertical extent, and is more or less circular in plan: often associated with oil and gas pools.

---

salt dome British  

noun

1. a domelike structure of stratified rocks containing a central core of salt: formed by the upward movement of a salt deposit

---

Etymology

Origin of salt dome

First recorded in 1905–10

Example Sentences

Experts believe the sinkhole is caused by the erosion of a large salt deposit or salt dome on which Daisetta is built.

From Washington Times • Apr. 6, 2023

The Utah salt dome was discovered in the 1970s by drillers looking for oil and gas.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 8, 2019

The technological advancement let scientists see beyond a salt dome, which distorts seismic waves.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 27, 2017

She also pointed to Bayou Corne, portions of which have been swallowed by a sinkhole caused by a salt dome that collapsed while being mined by a Texas company.

From Time • Dec. 10, 2014

The village also is building a larger salt dome at its Public Works headquarters to boost the amount of salt that can be kept nearby.

From Chicago Tribune • Sep. 23, 2014