Geomorphology

1968 Edition

Warping

  • David E. Smith
  • Rhodes W. Fairbridge
Reference work entry
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/3-540-31060-6_398

This is a term used by geologists to indicate deformations of the land surface over large areas due to differential movement within the crust, probably in response to subcrustal flow of magmatic material (see   Crustal Movements—Contemporary ). Crustal movements may be of two kinds: the first, termed isostatic, occurs in response to loading or unloading of the crustal surface, such as in the growth and decay of ice masses. The second, termed endogenic, is caused by subcrustal movements of an indeterminate or problematic character.

Isostatic Warping

The degree of flexibility of the crust has always been a source of argument. It is undoubtedly true, however, that the surface of the earth responds quickly to changes in the load placed upon it. Nansen (1905)reported that during high tides in the Bay of Biscay the land surface was depressed, and observations have since confirmed this for various parts of the world. On a larger scale, depressions in the crust have been observed in areas...

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Copyright information

© Reinhold Book Corporation 1968

Authors and Affiliations

  • David E. Smith
  • Rhodes W. Fairbridge

There are no affiliations available