Cycles of passive versus active diapirism are examined along an exposed salt wall.
Individual cycles are shorter than previously recognised and may last <30 ka.
Active diapirism is marked by rapid ‘piston’ uplift accommodated on steep bounding faults.
Passive diapirism is marked by upturned bedding and rotated unconformities up to 1250 m from the salt.
Unconformity-bound sequences may last <40 ka which is significantly less than previous estimates.