Isostasy is a simple concept, yet it has long perplexed students of geology and geophysics. This fully updated edition provides the tools to better understand this concept using a simplified mathematical treatment, numerous geological examples, and an extensive bibliography. It starts by tracing the ideas behind local and regional models of isostasy before describing the theoretical background, the observational evidence. It now also includes an exploration of the role of flexure in landscape evolution and dynamic topography and discussions of lithosphere memory, inheritance, and new NASA mission topography and gravity data. The book concludes with a discussion of flexure's role in understanding the evolution of the surface features of the Earth and its neighboring planets. Intended for advanced undergraduate and graduate students of geology and geophysics, it will also be of interest to researchers in gravity, geodesy, sedimentary basin formation, mountain building and planetary geology.

Winner, 2024 Choice Awards

‘The second edition of this classic book offers an in-depth analysis of the numerous land, ocean, and planetary processes that are produced and modified by lithospheric flexure. Topics range from the theory of bending and deformation of thin elastic plates, to the relationships between gravity and topography, to the interaction of flexural and erosional processes and their geological interpretation. Throughout the book there are sections on the historical developments of all these topics. This new edition includes updates on yield strength envelope models for the lithosphere and the interpretation of new gravity and topography measured by satellite missions orbiting the Earth and other planets. Whether you are a geologist, geophysicist, or simply an enthusiast seeking a deeper understanding of the Earth's geological processes, Isostasy and Flexure of the Lithosphere is an invaluable resource.’

David Sandwell - University of California, San Diego

‘second edition of this classic book offers an in-depth analysis of the numerous land, ocean, and planetary processes that are produced and modified by lithospheric flexure. Whether you are a geologist, geophysicist, or simply an enthusiast seeking a deeper understanding of the Earth's geological processes, Isostasy and Flexure of the Lithosphere is an invaluable resource.’

David Sandwell - University of California, San Diego

Reviews of the first edition:'… there is no question but that this book is the authoritative word on isostasy and flexure.'

Marcia McNutt Source: EOS

'… a superb book which covers a lot of ground on a fundamental topic of general importance to Earth scientists.'

Paul Wessel Source: 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.'

Norman Sleep Source: Physics Today

‘Accessible and authoritative, this book will be of interest to a wide range of geologists and geophysicists. For students it would serve as an excellent companion to plate tectonics and geodynamics texts.’

Rick Saltus Source: The Leading Edge

‘This is a wonderful book, which satisfies and important need and contains material of interest to a variety of Earth (and planetary) scientists, from an author who has been closely associated with important developments in this field over the past three decades.’

John Woodside Source: The Leading Edge

'… 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 Source: Episodes

'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 Source: Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris

‘Simply stated, this textbook is amazing. The concepts of isostasy and crust flexure are traditionally among the most difficult for geology students to grasp. … [it] clearly describes … aspects of isostasy with an immense number of figures, many in color, and relatively elementary mathematics … The included figures helpfully assist readers in understanding the salient points without bogging them down in complex mathematics.… Essential.’

M. S. Field Source: CHOICE