Question

What is Isostasy? Explain.

Answer 1

The state of balance or pressure equilibrium thought to exist within the Earth's crust, whereby the upper lithosphere floats on denser magma beneath.. Isostasy Meaning

Answer 2

Isostacy

Explanation:

• C.E Dutton in 1889, suggested that a gravitational balance exists between the elevated masses (i.e, continents) and ocean basins of the earth's crust.

• It is believed that the lithosphere floats on the top of the partially molten substratum ( aesthenosphere) much like logs float on water.

• Mountains stand high because they are composed of rocks of low density and ocean basins are low because they are made up of rocks of higher density.

• This gravitational balance is known as isostasy

• In the isostatic adjustment mainly vertical movements of the crustal blocks take place.

• Example- when material is removed from top of a mountain by erosion,it rises upwards and when sediments derived from it accumulate in a depositional basin, it is depressed due to increased weight.