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.

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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

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Etymology

Origin of salt dome

First recorded in 1905–10

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

salt dome

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

Two companies want to tap the salt dome for compressed air energy storage, an old but rarely used technology that can store large amounts of power.

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