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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 heights can exist at the Earth's surface. When a certain area of lithosphere reaches the state of Isostasy, it is said to be in isostatic equilibrium. Isostasy is not a process that upsets equilibrium, but rather one which restores it (a negative feedback). It is generally accepted that the earth is a dynamic system that responds to loads in many different ways, however Isostasy provides an important 'view' of the processes that are actually happening. Nevertheless, certain areas (such as the Himalayas) are not in isostatic equilibrium, which has forced researchers to identify other reasons to explain their topographic heights (in the case of the Himalayas, by proposing that their elevation is being "propped-up" by the force of the impacting Indian plate).
In the simplest example, Isostasy is the principle of buoyancy observed by Archimedes in his bath, where he saw that when an object was immersed, an amount of water equal in volume to that of the object was displaced. On a geological scale, isostasy can be observed where the Earth's strong lithosphere exerts stress on the weaker Asthenosphere which, over geological time flows laterally such that the load of the lithosphere is accommodated by height adjustments.
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IsostasyBy: Joshua R. Ligad
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How would you use theory in a sentence?
I would use the word "theory" in a sentence like this: "The scientist presented a new theory to explain the findings of the experiment."
What theory did Alfred wegner introduce?
Alfred Wegener introduced the theory of continental drift, which proposed that Earth's continents were once joined together as a single supercontinent called Pangea and have since moved to their current positions. This theory laid the foundation for the development of the modern theory of plate tectonics.
What did the theory of plate tectonics replace?
The theory of plate tectonics replaced the older theory of continental drift. It provided a more comprehensive explanation for the movement of Earth's lithospheric plates and the processes that shape our planet's surface.
Did Alfred Wegner provide evidence from land forms and climate in support of his theory of the shrinking Earth?
Alfred Wegener proposed the theory of continental drift, not a shrinking Earth theory. He used evidence such as the fit of the continents, matching rock formations, and fossil distribution to support his idea that the continents had once been part of a single landmass called Pangaea. Wegener's theory eventually led to the development of the theory of plate tectonics.
What is the theory called for the continents joined together?
The theory is called plate tectonics, which explains how the Earth's lithosphere is divided into large plates that move and interact with each other, leading to phenomena such as continental drift and the formation of mountains and ocean basins.
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It is a scientific theory
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