The way in which the lithosphere 'floats' on the asthenosphere.
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http://earthquakescanada.nrcan.gc.ca/info-gen/glossa-eng.php
Isostasy (Greek ísos `equal`, stásis `standstill`) is a term used in geology to refer to the state of gravitational equilibrium between the earth`s lithosphere and asthenosphere such that the tectonic plates `float` at an elevation which depends on their thickness and density. This concept is invoked to explain how different topographic h...
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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isostasy
The vertical readjustment of the surface of the earth due to the addition or removal of weight. Commonly associated with the advance and retreat of glacial ice.
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http://jersey.uoregon.edu/~mstrick/geology/geo_glossary_page.html
condition of equilibrium in the earth's crust
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http://phrontistery.info/i.html
• (n.) The state or quality of being isostatic. • (n.) general equilibrium in the earth`s crust, supposed to be maintained by the yielding or flow of rock material beneath the surface under gravitative stress. By the theory of isostasy each unit column of the earth, from surface to center, has approximately the same weight, and the contin...
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http://thinkexist.com/dictionary/meaning/isostasy/
ideal theoretical balance of all large portions of Earth`s lithosphere as though they were floating on the denser underlying layer, the ... [8 related articles]
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http://www.britannica.com/eb/a-z/i/45
The equilibrium maintained between the gravity tending to depress and the buoyancy tending to raise a given segment of the lithosphere as it floats above the asthenosphere.
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http://www.encyclo.co.uk/local/22291
A condition of gravitational balance (similar to floating) in which a mass of lighter crustal rocks
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http://www.encyclo.co.uk/local/22392
I·sos'ta·sy noun [ See
Iso- ;
Stasis .] The state or quality of being isostatic. Specif.
(Geol.) , general equilibrium in the earth's crust, supposed to be maintained by the yielding or flow of rock material beneath the surface under gravitative stress. By the theory of
isostas...Found on
http://www.encyclo.co.uk/webster/I/103
A state of equilibrium, resembling flotation, in which segments of the earth's crust stand at levels determined by their thickness and density. Isostatic equilibrium is attained by flow of material in the mantle.
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http://www.evcforum.net/WebPages/Glossary_Geology.html
Isostasy is a geological theory explaining the general equilibrium in the earth's crust, which is supposed to be maintained by the yielding or flow of rock material beneath the surface under gravitative stress. By the theory of
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http://www.probertencyclopaedia.com/browse/HI.HTM
isostasy 1. A state of equilibrium between forces such as accumulated ice pushing down on a section of the Earth’s surface and those pushing up from below. 2. A theory of the condition of approximate equilibrium in the outer part of the earth, such that the gravitational effect of masses extending above the surface of the geoid in continental ...
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http://www.wordinfo.info/words/index/info/view_unit/2026/10
The tendency of the Earth`s crust to maintain a state of near equilibrium, i.e., if anything occurs to modify the existing state, a compensation change will occur to maintain a balance.
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https://www.encyclo.co.uk/local/20127
(Greek iso-, 'same') Isostasy is the concept that the elevation of the Earth's surface (over tens of millions of years) seeks a balance between the weight of lithospheric rocks and the buoyancy of asthenospheric 'fluid' (nearly-molten rock). Gentle regional movement of the lithosphere occurs in response to short-term (thousands to millions of years...
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https://www.encyclo.co.uk/local/20131
Condition of gravitational equilibrium of all parts of the Earth's crust. The crust is in isostatic equilibrium if, below a certain depth, the weight and thus pressure of rocks above is the same everywhere. The idea is that the lithosphere floats on the asthenosphere as a piece of wood floats on ...
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https://www.encyclo.co.uk/local/21221
The condition of equilibrium, comparable to floating, of units of the lithosphere above the asthenosphere .
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https://www.encyclo.co.uk/local/22327
The theoretical equilibrium that tends to exist in the Earth's crust; this can alter sea level on a local scale. For example, glacial ice can push down the crust so that when it melts the crust will uplift thus causing sea level in the area to decline. Compare with Eustasy.
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https://www.encyclo.co.uk/local/23001
the equilibrium of the earth's crust, a condition in which the forces tending to elevate balance those tending to depress. · the state in which pressures from every side are equal.
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https://www.infoplease.com/dictionary/isostasy
No exact match found.
