isostasy etymology

Etymology:

  • Iso- (from Greek "isos") meaning "equal"
  • -stat- (from Greek "statos") meaning "standing"
  • -y (suffix denoting action, condition, or process)

Meaning:

Isostasy is the condition of equilibrium between the Earth's crust and the underlying mantle. It refers to the process by which the crust and mantle adjust to maintain a balance between their weight and buoyancy.

Origin:

The term "isostasy" was first introduced by the American geologist Clarence Dutton in 1889. Dutton observed that the elevation of the Earth's surface is not solely determined by the thickness of the crust, but also by the density of the underlying mantle. He proposed that the crust and mantle are in a constant state of adjustment, with areas of thick, less dense crust being elevated and areas of thin, denser crust being depressed.

Isostasy is a fundamental principle in geology that helps explain the distribution of mountains, ocean basins, and other large-scale features of the Earth's surface. It also influences processes such as plate tectonics, sea-level changes, and the formation of volcanic and seismic activity.

isostasy relate terms

  • stasis

    Etymology Greek στάσις stasis a standing position state condition insurre

  • isostatic

    Etymology Iso Greek equal or same static Greek stationary or balanced Mea

  • isostasy

    Etymology Iso from Greek isos meaning equal stat from Greek statos meaning

  • dichotomy

  • kismet

    Etymology The word kismet comes from the Arabic word qismat meaning lot or portio

  • physiology

    Etymology Greek physis nature physical logia study of Meaning Physiol

  • daffodil

    Etymology The word daffodil is derived from the Middle English word daffadowndilly

  • oven

    Etymology From Middle English ovene from Old French ovne from Vulgar Latin ŏfnus fr

  • fringe

    Etymology The word fringe comes from the Middle English word fringe which in turn d

  • virtual

    Virtual Etymology Meaning The tendency of words to take on a meaning that aligns with t

  • tangle

    Etymology The word tangle originates from the Middle English word tangel which is i

  • sophomore

    Etymology The word sophomore comes from the Greek words sophos σοφός meaning

  • bolt

    Etymology The word bolt comes from the Old English word bolt which means a short t