Questions
GEOL0012_25-26 **********GEOL0012 Moodle Test (unassessed) 2025/26**********
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Question text1. The two figures below show the geometry of the Airy and Pratt isostasy hypothesis. a) For the Airy geometry, calculate the thickness of the root “r” in km to two significant figures. You know that: [math: ρm=3g/cm3|ρc=2.1g/cm3|h=2.8km|tc1=10km]r = Answer 1 Question 4[input] km [3] b) For the Pratt geometry, calculate the density of [math: ρc2] in [math: g/cm3] to two significant figures given that: [math: ρc1=2.4g/cm3|h=1km|tc1=7.6km][math: ρc2=] Answer 2 Question 4[input] [math: g/cm3] [3] c) The Figure below shows a crustal block with mean density [math: ρ2=3000kg/m3] that is initially in isostatic equilibrium with the surrounding medium whose mean density is [math: ρ1=3200kg/m3]. After subsequent erosion of the initial block (a), the surface topography looks as shown in figure (b). The distance [math: L=7.7km] remains constant and Airy type isostasy is maintained. Calculate the amount by which the height of point A is changed in m to two significant figures. (Hint: use balance between weight and buoyant force)[math: hfinal−hinitial=] Answer 3 Question 4[input] [math: m] [4]

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We are given three sub-questions (a, b, c) with specific numerical data and requested to explain, for each, how to approach the calculation and why the provided answer is correct.
A) Airy geometry: thickness of the root r in km (two sig figs)
- Key idea: In Airy isostasy, the crustal root thickness and the surface relief adjust so that the vertical force (weight) of the column above the compensation depth balances between crustal density contrast and mantle density. The data provided are: mantle density ρm = 3 g/cm^3, crust density ρc = 2.1 g/cm^3, crust thickness above the root tc1 = 10 km, and a known surface height h = 2.8 km. The root thickness r is the portion of crust that extends below the compensation level.
- Conceptual steps: (1) compute the buoyancy balance for the column with the added surface topography, (2) relate the density contrast (ρm − ρc) to the deficits/surpluses in crustal thickness (tc1, r) needed to keep isostatic balance, (3) solve for r in km, keeping units consistent (km and g/cm^3).......Login to view full explanationLog in for full answers
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