Theory holds that the mantle is able to convect because of its plasticity, and this property also allows for another very important Earth process known as isostasy . The literal meaning of the word isostasy is “ equal standstill ”,ie. to maintain equilibrium. The general term 'isostasy' was coined in 1882 by the American geologist Clarence Dutton . Isostasy is the rising or settling of a portion of the Earth's lithosphere that occurs when weight is removed or added in order to maintain equilibrium between buoyancy forces that push the lithosphere upward and gravity forces that pull the lithosphere downward. Thus Isostasy is based on the opposing influences of two main forces: buoyancy and gravity. This concept is invoked to explain how different topographic heights can exist at Earth's surface. When a certain area of Earth's crust reaches the state of isostasy, it is said to be in isostatic equilibrium . Isostasy does not upset equilibrium b...
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