Isostasy

Isostasy is the concept that Earth's crust floats on the denser, semi-fluid mantle beneath it, much like icebergs float on water. When weight is added to the crust, such as from glaciers or sediment, it sinks slightly; when the weight is removed, it rises back up. Gravimetry, which measures variations in gravitational pull, helps scientists understand isostatic balance by highlighting how mass distribution affects gravitational forces. This information reveals underlying geological structures and processes, contributing to our understanding of tectonics, seismic activity, and landform changes over time.