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The theory of isostasy states that the Earth's lithosphere floats on the denser, semi-fluid layer beneath it (the asthenosphere) in gravitational equilibrium, causing adjustments in the elevation of the Earth's surface due to variations in crustal thickness and density. Isostatic equilibrium occurs when the weight of the lithosphere is balanced by the buoyancy provided by the asthenosphere.

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Q: What is a theory of isostacy?
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Who is John Pratt?

A mathmatecian who achived many things. He devised a theory of crustal balance which would become the basis for the isostacy principal.


What is the definition of Isostacy theory?

Isostasy theory is a geological concept that posits that Earth's lithosphere is in gravitational equilibrium, with lighter elements floating on top of heavier materials in the mantle. This theory explains how the lithosphere adjusts vertically to maintain balance when weight is added or removed, such as from the melting of ice sheets.


What is isostacy and how does it explain why the earts land masses are not flat?

Isostasy is the concept that the Earth's crust is floating on the denser mantle below, seeking equilibrium. This explains why land masses are not flat because the crust adjusts vertically to maintain balance with the underlying mantle. Mountains have thicker crust, causing them to rise higher, while ocean basins have thinner crust, allowing them to sink lower.


What is meant by isostasy?

the theory of Isostacy is the theory that is used in the movement of the earth,the word itself Isostacy comes from two Greek words:iso meaning equal and Stotikos meaning balance.Therefore Isostacy theory means equal balance or standing.Evidances on the theory of isostacy:presence of Rios and and Esturies in the coastland of Gambia and Sierra leone,Melting of ice sheet and Depression.Effects of the theory of Isostacy:May cause displacement of Lithosphere,Faulting leading to the formation of Block mountains and Rift valleys,foldings,Earth quakes and volcanic eruption.Importances of the theory of isostacy:Understanding the formation of different phenomena,Explain the concept that the crust floats on the mantle,predict future events eg floods,provide precautions to people on the effects of weather.


What are the instruments used by the scientists to measure the isostacy on land?

High precision GPS, synthetic aperture radar (interferometry), and LIDAR.


How does isostasy impact the surface of the earth?

Isostacy refers to an equilibrium level maintained by the earths crust on top of the mantle. The theory holds that the weight of the earths crust will displace a certain amount of the underlying mantle, and that an equilibrium is reached whereby the mass of the displaced crust and the mass of the displaced mantle are equal, thus holding that part of the crust at a certain height.


What is the cause and effect of diatrophism?

theory of diASTROPHISMare:Isostacy's theorycontraction theoryconvection theorycontinental drift theoryexpansion theory


How do convention currents help us understand the geologic activity of the earth?

Convection Current helps us understand the geologic activity of the earth because according to the scientist this current causes the movement of the earth's crust due to the unequal temperature that occurs in the mantle (same also with the breezes). Also, it explains that magma come from th mantle which is believed that the melted crust will spitted up again in the earth's surface which it actually explains the (Theory of Isostacy).


What is a unifying explanation for a broad range of observations facts and tested hypothesis?

It is a scientific theory


Why does the continental crust go father down into the mantle than the oceanic crust?

Continental crust, on average, is much thicker than oceanic crust. Because of the principles of isostacy and buoyancy, the continental crust will protrude more deeply into the asthenosphere than oceanic crust.


List of scientific theories?

Theory of law. Theory of the climate. Theory of lax. Theory of vandals. Newtons's theory of mass.


How does a theory develop?

Theory-practice-theory take existing theory in education, apply to distance learning, develop new theory Practice-research-theory see what is happening in distance learning, submit to research, develop theory from results Theory-theory-research/practice build on an initial theory to develop a second theory, then apply and test it