Airys model of isostasya)requires mountains to have higher density tha...
Airy's model of isostasy is a concept that explains the equilibrium between the Earth's lithosphere and asthenosphere. The concept states that the Earth's crust floats on the denser and more plastic layer of the mantle, and the pressure created by the weight of the crust is balanced by the buoyancy force of the mantle.
The density of the crust plays a significant role in the isostatic equilibrium. The density of the crust varies with its composition, thickness, and temperature. However, the density of the crust is relatively constant compared to the density of the mantle.
Answer: Option 'C'
Explanation:
Airy's model of isostasy requires that mountains have the same density as oceanic crust. This is because the theory states that the thickness of the crust is responsible for the buoyancy force that maintains the equilibrium between the lithosphere and asthenosphere. Therefore, if the density of the mountain is higher than the oceanic crust, it will sink deeper into the mantle, leading to an imbalance in the isostatic equilibrium. Similarly, if the density of the mountain is lower than the oceanic crust, it will float higher, creating an imbalance.
In conclusion, Airy's model of isostasy requires that mountains have the same density as oceanic crust for the Earth's lithosphere to achieve equilibrium with the asthenosphere.