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Chapter Summary

Isostasy

ICSE · Class 11 · Geography

Summary of Isostasy for ICSE Class 11 Geography. Key concepts, important points, and chapter overview.

43 questions36 flashcards5 concepts

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Overview

Isostasy is the state of gravitational balance between different parts of the earth's crust. High landforms such as mountains and plateaus are made of lighter material and extend deeper into the earth, while low areas such as plains and ocean basins are made of denser material. The idea explains why

Key Concepts

Isostasy means equipoise or a state

Isostasy means equipoise or a state of balance. It describes the balance between the earth's surface features and the material below them.

The term was first used by

The term was first used by Dutton in 1889 to explain gravitational equilibrium between continents, oceans, mountains, plateaus, and plains on a rotati

Pierre Bouguer noticed during the Andes

Pierre Bouguer noticed during the Andes Expedition that the plumb-line near Chimborazo was deflected much less than expected.

Sir George Everest's 1854 survey

Sir George Everest's 1854 survey of the Indo-Gangetic plain showed a difference between astronomically measured latitude and triangulation measurement

This is the level below

This is the level below the earth's surface below which density does not vary. Above it, landforms of different sizes and densities are in balance.

Learning Objectives

  • Understand the meaning and origin of isostasy.
  • Learn how plumb-line observations led to the idea of crustal balance.
  • Compare the views of Airy and Pratt on isostasy.
  • Understand the concept of level of compensation.
  • Recognize why higher landforms require deeper support below the surface.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the important topics in Isostasy for ICSE Class 11 Geography?
Key topics in Isostasy include Isostasy: Complete Concept Overview, Isostasy: Concept Overview and Key Components, Isostasy – Complete Concept Overview. These are the concepts ICSE Class 11 examiners draw on most — study them first, then practise related questions.
How to score full marks in Isostasy — ICSE Class 11 Geography?
Understand the core concepts first, then work through the 43 practice questions available for this chapter. Revise formulas and definitions regularly, and use flashcards for quick recall before the exam.

Sources & Official References

Content is aligned to the official syllabus. Refer to the board website for the latest curriculum.

More resources for Isostasy

All 33 chapters — ICSE Class 11 Geography Chapter Summary

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