Bc Open Textbooks: Physical Geology: Earth's Interior: Isostasy

This textbook excerpt explains the concept of isostasy and the relationship of Earth's crust to the mantle beneath it. This process is compared to the effects of glaciation and describes the effect an ice sheet has on the crust, and the impact that unchecked climate change will have on the mantle when the ice sheet has melted. The flowing of the mantle is described well, with a helpful analogy to Silly Putty. Includes an exercise on rock density and isostasy.