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Chapter 11: Problem 9

Define isostasy and isostatic rebound, and explain the crustal equilibrium concept.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Isostasy is the principle that the Earth's crust is in equilibrium with the semi-fluid asthenosphere below, meaning that the weight of a section of the crust and the mantle below it will equal the weight of any other similar section. Isostatic rebound is the process where the Earth's crust returns to equilibrium after the removal of extra weight. The crustal equilibrium concept pairs with these ideas, proposing that the Earth's crust maintains balance by floating on the asthenosphere, sinking or rising when weight is added or removed until equilibrium is regained.

Step by step solution

01

Define Isostasy

Isostasy is a concept in geology, which states that the Earth's crust is in equilibrium with the semi-fluid asthenosphere below it. It settles in a way that the weight of any given column of crust and the mantle below it is the same as any other similar column. Structures that are heavy, like mountains, sink into the asthenosphere, and structures that are light, like ocean basins, float on it.
02

Define Isostatic Rebound

Isostatic rebound, also known as post-glacial rebound, refers to the process in which the Earth's crust returns to equilibrium after removal of added weight. An example is the recovery of the crust after the melting of large ice sheets that covered areas during the Ice Ages.
03

Explain Crustal Equilibrium Concept

The crustal equilibrium concept is related to isostasy. It proposes that the Earth's crust is in a state of balance or equilibrium. This balance is achieved because the lighter crust floats on the denser semi-fluid asthenosphere below it. When weight is added or removed, the crust will sink or rise until balance is restored – this is the process of isostatic adjustment or rebound.

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