Isostasy (Greek ísos 'equal', stásis 'standstill') or isostatic equilibrium is the state of gravitational equilibrium between Earth 's crust (or lithosphere) and mantle such that the crust "floats" at an elevation that depends on its thickness and density.

isostasy, ideal theoretical balance of all large portions of Earth’s lithosphere as though they were floating on the denser underlying layer, the asthenosphere, a section of the upper mantle composed of weak, plastic rock that is about 110 km (70 miles) below the surface.

Isostasy is the rising or settling of a portion of the Earth’s lithosphere that occurs when weight is removed or added in order to maintain equilibrium between buoyancy forces that push the lithosphere upward and gravity forces that pull the lithosphere downward.

2021年11月8日 · The term isostasy was first proposed by an American geologist Clarence Dutton in 1889 to indicate the state of balance which exists between large upstanding areas of the Earth’s surface, mountain ranges and plateaus.

2023年11月21日 · Isostasy is the idea that equilibrium exists between the Earth's lithosphere and asthenosphere, which behaves like a fluid. This equilibrium occurs when the upward buoyancy...

Isostasy refers to the process of the Earth's crust adjusting to changes in weight, resulting in either sinking or rising. It is a secondary forcing agent that can be activated by tectonic stress, climate, and sea level changes.

2021年2月15日 · Isostasy is the state of balance, or equilibrium, which sections of the Earth's lithosphere (whether continental or oceanic crust) are thought ultimately to achieve when the vertical forces upon them remain unchanged. In the early days of "modern geology" the variations in elevations on land (topography) and the depth of the oceans (bathymetry ...

The literal meaning of the word isostasy is “equal standstill,” but the importance behind it is the principle that Earth’s crust is floating on the mantle, like a raft floating in the water, rather than resting on the mantle like a raft sitting on the ground.

Isostasy is the "state of balance, or equilibrium, which sections of the earth's lithosphere (whether continental or oceanic) are thought ultimately to achieve when the vertical forces upon them remain unchanged. The lithosphere floats upon the semifluid asthenosphere below.

2024年8月15日 · Isostasy is a fundamental concept in geomorphology, geology, and Earth science. It plays a crucial role in explaining the equilibrium state of the Earth’s crust, offering insights into how landforms are shaped and sustained.