isostasy

Oct. 19th, 2012 07:53 am
prettygoodword: text: words are sexy (Default)
[personal profile] prettygoodword
isostasy (eye-SOS-tuh-see) - n., a state in which pressures from every side are equal.


This is used most often in geology, as seeking isostasy is an important mechanism in the movement of the crustal plates of the lithosphere as they float upon the magma of the asthenosphere. Note that orogenous zones (such as the Himalayas) are not in isostasy, but once the forces that are thrusting up the mountains stop pushing, it is expected that the area will find a new equilibrium. Coined in 1889 by American geologist Clarence Dutton from Greek roots iso-, equal, from the combining form of ísos, equal + stasy, from Greek -stasia, from stásis, state of standing or being still, from sta-, the stem form of histánai, to make stand, plus nominalizing suffix -sis.

---L.

Date: 2012-10-19 03:01 pm (UTC)
From: (Anonymous)
So what you're telling us is that thrusting in the orogenous zones leads to isostasy.

Damn! Words really ARE sexy!

Date: 2012-10-20 07:16 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] prettygoodword.livejournal.com
*points to icon*

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