What is the concept of Isostasy and has earth reached its isostatic equilibrium?
Isostasy is a term used in geology to refer to the state of gravitational equilibrium between the earth’s lithosphere and asthenosphere such that the tectonic plates “float” at an elevation which depends on their thickness and density. This concept is invoked to explain how different topographic heights can exist at the Earth’s surface. When a certain area of lithosphere reaches the state of isostasy, it is said to be in isostatic equilibrium. Isostasy is not a process that upsets equilibrium, but rather one which restores it (a negative feedback). A good example of this was the weight og the Last Ice Age ice cap on the North American plate. This huge weight cause the plate to sink somewhat, being weighed down by massive amountsof ice. Then once the ice melts the crust and plate will rebound upward. We are still noticing on the Eastern shores of Canada that this rebound effect is still happening and it is still likely happening in other areas of the World as well. So no, Earth had not
