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1930•The Journal of GeologyRequires access

Isostasy: A Critical Review

M. King Hubbert, Frank A. Melton

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Abstract

The underlying theory pertaining to the shape of the earth is briefly reviewed. The operations and results that have led to the theory of isostasy are given. Hopfner's recent inquiry into the problem is cited in which he has shown that by means of strict potential theory isostatic reductions are highly questionable, and, furthermore, that there is no need to postulate an isostatic state in order to account for gravity data. High points of geologic and seismologic data are also cited. The conclusion is that the theory of isostasy. rests upon a much more insecure foundation than has heretofore been supposed.

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What this paper is about

The underlying theory pertaining to the shape of the earth is briefly reviewed. The operations and results that have led to the theory of isostasy are given. Hopfner's recent inquiry into the problem is cited in which he has shown that by means of strict potential theory isostatic reductions are highly questionable, and, furthermore, that there is no need to postulate an isostatic state in order to account for gravity data. High points of geologic and seismologic data are also cited. The conclusion is that the theory of isostasy. rests upon a much more insecure foundation than has heretofore been supposed.

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Available abstract

The underlying theory pertaining to the shape of the earth is briefly reviewed. The operations and results that have led to the theory of isostasy are given. Hopfner's recent inquiry into the problem is cited in which he has shown that by means of strict potential theory isostatic reductions are highly questionable, and, furthermore, that there is no need to postulate an isostatic state in order to account for gravity data. High points of geologic and seismologic data are also cited. The conclusion is that the theory of isostasy. rests upon a much more insecure foundation than has heretofore been supposed.

Key concepts: Isostasy, Geology, Geodesy, Seismology, Lithosphere, Tectonics

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