What does isostasy mean?
The state of being in equilibrium, especially in the Earth's crust, where the weight of a mountain range is balanced by the buoyancy of the underlying crust. Isostasy is the process by which the Earth's crust adjusts to changes in the weight of the rocks on it.
Example
"The theory of isostasy helps explain why mountain ranges are not as high as they would be if the Earth's crust were rigid."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.