1. Plural of diapir; intrusions of less dense rock material that rise through overlying denser strata, often forming dome-like or mushroom-shaped structures in the Earth's crust.
Usage: geology; technical term

Examples

• Salt diapirs are common features in sedimentary basins where thick salt layers are buried beneath younger rocks.
• The geologists studied the diapirs to understand the structural evolution of the continental margin.
• Mud diapirs can form in areas with rapid sedimentation and high pore pressure.
• These diapirs often create traps for oil and natural gas accumulation.
• The seismic survey revealed several prominent diapirs piercing through the overlying strata.