isostasy

i·sos·ta·sy  (-sst-s)

n.

Equilibrium in the earth's crust such that the forces tending to elevate landmasses balance the forces tending to depress landmasses.

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[iso- + Greek stasis, a standstill; see st- in Indo-European roots + -y.]

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iso·static (s-sttk) adj.

iso·stati·cal·ly adv.

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isostasy [aɪˈsɒstəsɪ]

n

(Earth Sciences / Geological Science) 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. If a section of lithosphere is loaded, as by ice, it will slowly subside to a new equilibrium position; if a section of lithosphere is reduced in mass, as by erosion, it will slowly rise to a new equilibrium position

[iso- + -stasy, from Greek stasis a standing]

isostatic  [ˌaɪsəʊˈstætɪk] adj

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isostasy  (-sst-s)

Equilibrium in the Earth's crust, in which an elevated part in one area is counterbalanced by a depressed part in another. Isostasy exists because the Earth's crust is relatively light compared to the denser mantle over which it lies, and therefore behaves as if it is floating. Areas of the Earth's crust rise or subside to accommodate added load (as from a glacier) or diminished load (as from erosion), so that the forces that elevate landmasses balance the forces that depress them.

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isostatic adjective (s-sttk)

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isostasy

the general equality of pressure in the crust of the earth. — isostatic, adj.

See also: Geology

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

isostasy - (geology) a general equilibrium of the forces tending to elevate or depress the earth's crust geology - a science that deals with the history of the earth as recorded in rocks equilibrium - a stable situation in which forces cancel one another