What is the principle of isostasy, and what evidence supports it?

What will be an ideal response?


Answer: The principle of isostasy is the state of equilibrium between the buoyant force of the asthenosphere and the downward force of gravity. The lithosphere floats on the denser mantle. Because the pressure exerted on the mantle by the lithosphere must be the same at any given depth, the lithosphere adjusts its position until a state of equilibrium is achieved. The thicker (but less dense) continents stand higher on Earth's surface and extend deeper into the mantle than the thinner (but more dense) ocean basins. Seismic waves reveal the extension of continental and oceanic crust into the mantle.

Physics & Space Science

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You're driving in a car at 50 km/h and bump into a car ahead traveling at 48 km/h in the same direction. The speed of impact is

A) zero. B) 2 km/h. C) 48 km/h. D) 50 km/h. E) 98 km/h.

Physics & Space Science

The scale of apparent visual magnitudes extends into negative numbers to represent the faintest objects in the sky

a. True b. False Indicate whether the statement is true or false

Physics & Space Science

Sunspots are cooler than the surrounding solar surface because

A) they are regions where convection carries cooler material downward. B) strong magnetic fields slow convection and prevent hot plasma from entering the region. C) magnetic fields trap ionized gases that absorb light. D) there is less fusion occurring there. E) magnetic fields lift material from the surface of the Sun, cooling off the material faster.

Physics & Space Science

Where does most star formation occur in the Milky Way Galaxy?

A) in the spiral arms B) in the central bulge C) everywhere throughout the galactic disk D) within the halo

Physics & Space Science