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Glite Dictionary
isostasy

isostasy

1 9.9
A balance in which the earth's crust floats on softer rock below
  • noun
  • /ˌaɪsəˈstæsi/
  • Specialized
: isostasia
  • The concept of isostasy explains why mountain ranges gradually sink as they erode over time.

Examples

  • Scientists study isostasy to understand changes in sea level and crustal movement.

  • The concept of isostasy is crucial in geology.

  • Due to isostasy, land previously covered by glaciers is slowly rising even today.

  • Is isostasy affected by tectonic activity?

  • The concept of isostasy explains why mountains rise higher than plains despite their weight.

  • He studied isostasy to understand how the Earth's crust adjusts to changes in load.

  • Scientists believe that isostasy plays a critical role in the formation of large mountain ranges.

Surface Forms

isostasy singular
isostases plural

Morphology

isostasy = stasis (semi-transparent) = iso + stasis

The morphemes yield the general sense 'equal standing', but the specific geological equilibrium meaning is technical and not fully obvious to general learners.

Etymology

Isostasy comes from Greek parts iso- 'equal' and -stasis 'standing' or 'balance', the same root you see in static ('not moving'). So, isostasy describes how the earth's crust floats and finds an 'equal' level, which is why the word means the crust is balanced.