Genetic interpretation and mapping of salt structures

Existing methods of salt structure classification are essentially descriptive and focus on the shape, or stage in evolution of a given salt body. Studies of extensional and compressional basins which contain salt, together with analogue modelling, have highlighted the importance of teetonics on salt structure initiation. It would seem that growth faults and folds in the carapace to a salt layer, rather than inherent bouyancy of salt, may be responsible for the location and timing of many salt structures.