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Provides an overview of the subject using a simplified mathematical treatment, geological examples and an extensive bibliography. Covers the ideas behind local and regional models of isostasy, arguing that only flexure is in accord with geological observations; theoretical background; observational evidence and the constraints that flexure has provided on physical properties of the lithosphere; flexure's role in understanding the evolution of the surface features of the Earth and its neighboring planets.
Preface; Acknowledgments; Notation; 1. Historical development of the concept of isostasy; 2. Isostasy and flexure of the lithosphere; 3. Theory of elastic plates; 4. Geological examples of the flexure model of isostasy; 5. Isostatic response functions; 6. Isostasy and the physical nature of the lithosphere; 7. Isostasy and the origin of geological features in the continents and oceans; 8. Isostasy and the terrestrial planets; Bibliography; Index.
'... readable and very useful ... it is an absolute bargain. Graduate students, advanced undergraduates and professionals will enjoy this volume and find it very useful in future work.' James S. McClain, Episodes '... there is no question but that this book is the authoritative word on isostasy and flexure.' Marcia McNutt, EOS 'The opening two chapters are an addictive introduction to the history of isostasy. Watts quickens the pulse and opens the mind with his well-balanced descriptions of spectacular geology, perilous expeditions and scholarly Victorian disputes.' John Maclennan, Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris '... a superb book which covers a lot of ground on a fundamental topic of general importance to Earth scientists.' Geological Magazine 'Isostasy and Flexure of the Lithosphere provides an excellent guide for those applying flexural isostasy to practical problems. It is also a starting point for those wishing to learn more about the actual physics of Earth's lithosphere.' Physics Today
