isostatic
[ ahy-suh-stat-ik ]
/ ˌaɪ səˈstæt ɪk /
adjective
of, relating to, or characterized by isostasy.
OTHER WORDS FROM isostatic
i·so·stat·i·cal·ly, adverbWords nearby isostatic
isospin,
isospondylous,
isospora,
isosporiasis,
isostasy,
isostatic,
isostemonous,
isostere,
isosteric,
isosterism,
isosthenuria
Example sentences from the Web for isostatic
Isostatic, ī-so-stat′ik, adj. in hydrostatic equilibrium from equality of pressure.
Scientific definitions for isostatic
isostasy
[ ī-sŏs′tə-sē ]
Equilibrium in the Earth's crust, in which an elevated part in one area is counterbalanced by a depressed part in another. Isostasy exists because the Earth's crust is relatively light compared to the denser mantle over which it lies, and therefore behaves as if it is floating. Areas of the Earth's crust rise or subside to accommodate added load (as from a glacier) or diminished load (as from erosion), so that the forces that elevate landmasses balance the forces that depress them.