File:Diapirs.jpg
deformation. Diapirs in (a) localize contractional strain, so that net shortening in (b) has been
taken up by both squeezing of the diapirs and distal folding. Salt extruded from the
narrowing diapirs flows laterally and amalgamates to form an allochthonous canopy. The
canopy provides a shallower detachment level for linked extension and contraction, thereby
reducing or even halting folding at the deeper level (c).