Earth: An Introduction to Physical Geology (12th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0134074254
ISBN 13: 978-0-13407-425-2

Chapter 14 - Section 14.6 - What Causes Earth’s Varied Topography? - Concept Checks - Page 438: 2

Answer

The principle of isostatic adjustment accounts for changes in the elevation of mountains by the process of crustal response to the loading and unloading of weight. When mountains are formed due to tectonic processes like mountain-building events, the increased mass of the mountain exerts greater gravitational force, causing the crust to sink deeper into the underlying mantle. Conversely, as erosion and weathering remove material from the mountain, the weight is reduced, and the crust will slowly rebound, raising the mountain's elevation over geological time. This process of vertical movement of the Earth's crust in response to changes in surface loads is known as isostatic adjustment.

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