Isostasy and Flexure of the Lithosphere

‘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 DiegoReviews of the first edition: ‘… there is no question but that this book is the authoritative word on isostasy and flexure.’ Marcia McNutt, EOS‘… a superb book which covers a lot of ground on a fundamental topic of general importance to Earth scientists.’ Paul Wessel, 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, 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, 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, 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, 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, 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, CHOICE

A. B. Watts is Professor of Marine Geology and Geophysics in the Department of Earth Sciences, at the University of Oxford. He is a Fellow of The Royal Society; a recipient of the Murchison Medal of the Geological Society of London, the Arthur Holmes Medal of the European Geosciences Union and the Maurice Ewing Medal of the American Geophysical Union; and the author of 240 refereed publications.