Which of the following must be balanced for a portion of the lithosphere to reach isostatic equilibrium?

Question

Question 1 options:

A)

The buoyant force from the asthenosphere and gravity

B)

The compressive forces of two converging plates

C)

The isostatic uplift and the crustal rebound

D)

The densities of the lithosphere and the asthenosphere

Answer 1

The correct answer is:

A) The buoyant force from the asthenosphere and gravity

For a portion of the lithosphere to reach isostatic equilibrium, the buoyancy (or upward force) exerted by the underlying asthenosphere must balance the gravitational force acting on the lithosphere. This balance ensures that sections of the lithosphere are stable at their current elevations.