Maps of layering visible in salt mines in Texas and Louisiana salt domes show intricate patterns of shear and flow folds. This layering, which is now dipping steeply, is believed to be original sedimentary bedding.

Petrofabric studies on halite and anhydrite in Grand Saline salt dome demonstrate that the direction of motion was steeply upward and essentially parallel to the fold axes as determined in the mine mapping. Halite petrofabric studies also show cubic as well as dodecahedral glide planes.

Structural mapping and petrofabric studies show that the domes rose to their present positions as a series of separate elements (spines, pencils, etc.) rather than as single large entities. This theory of differential uplift of the Texas and Louisiana salt domes has been corroborated from structural mapping of sedimentary rock units surrounding the dome.