DIAPIR

DIAPIR

• The terms "diapir" and "diapirism" are derived from the Greek diapeirein, which means "to penetrate.
• "Diapirism" is a process in which earth materials from deeper levels puncture, or appear to pierce, shallower layers; it is classified as magmatic intrusion or diapirism based on the temperature at which piercement occurs.
• Diapirs are made up of evaporites, argillaceous sediments, coal, peat, ice, serpentine, or other earth components that have low equivalent viscosity and density.
• The age of these materials ranges from precambrian to recent.
• Diapirs may be found all across the planet, with the exception of the shield zones.
• They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, ranging from gently rounded pillows to intricately injected laminae.
• They are either attached to or severed from the "mother" bed and can be found near the surface, where they constitute distinguishing characteristics, or at great depth.
• Diapirs have well-developed interior structures, indicating a flow origin.
• The strata around a diapir may be structurally and/or stratigraphically influenced by the diapir, or they may be untouched.
• Field and model investigations show that diapirs form as a result of horizontal compression, gravitational instability, or both.
• Diapiric structures of various varieties hold vast amounts of oil and gas, sulphur, salt, and potash and are used for subterranean storage and nuclear testing.

 IMAGE SOURCE (THUMBNAIL)