Geology. the equilibrium of the earth's crust, a condition in which the forces tending to elevate balance those tending to depress.
2.
the state in which pressures from every side are equal.
Also, isostacy.
Origin
1885-90;iso- + -stasy < Greek-stasia; see stasis, -y3
Examples from the web for isostasy
However, incorporating flexural isostasy and thermal subsidence requires physical dimensions.
The basic geologic drivers of deep subsidence are compaction, faulting, and isostasy.
Sediment compaction, isostasy, and fault movement are also important factors in changing elevation and bathymetry.
British Dictionary definitions for isostasy
isostasy
/aɪˈsɒstəsɪ/
noun
1.
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
Derived Forms
isostatic (ˌaɪsəʊˈstætɪk) adjective
Word Origin
C19: iso- + -stasy, from Greek stasis a standing
Word Origin and History for isostasy
n.
1889, from iso- + Greek stasis "setting, weighing, standing" (see stet). Related: Isostatic.
isostasy in Science
isostasy
(ī-sŏs'tə-sē) 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.