Why Topography?
http://www.see.leeds.ac.uk/structure/dynamicearth/topo/index.htm

Rob Butler, Clare Gordon, School of Earth & Environment, Earth Sciences, School of Earth & Environment, Earth Sciences

Part of the supporting resources for the School of Earth Sciences dynamic earth module, the -Why Topography?- site discusses two models introduced in the 19th century that are still used to explain topographic variations. These models are the Pratt and Airy models of isostasy. In the Pratt model, high topography (relative to surroundings) is due to lower density whereas in the Airy model, high topography is due to thick crust.

This description of a site outside SERC has not been vetted by SERC staff and may be incomplete or incorrect. If you have information we can use to flesh out or correct this record let us know.

Part of the Cutting Edge collection. The NAGT/DLESE On the Cutting Edge project helps geoscience faculty stay up-to-date with both geoscience research and teaching methods.

This resource is referenced here:

• Cutting Edge:Courses:Structural Geology and Tectonics:Visualizations: Isostasy
• Cutting Edge:Courses:Geophysics:Visualizations: Isostasy and Gravity

Resource Type: Audio/Visual:Images/Illustrations
Grade Level: College Lower (13-14), High School (9-12)