4- Planetary Interiors and Isostasy

Set of flashcards covering key vocabulary terms relating to planetary interiors, isostasy, and the principles governing gravitational forces.

Planetary Interior Probing Techniques

Methods used to investigate the internal structure and composition of planets, using both direct and remote observations.

Gravitational Constant (G)

A fundamental physical constant used in the calculation of gravitational forces, not known before the 17th century.

Moment of Inertia (MoI)

A measure of an object's resistance to changes in its rotation, dependent on mass distribution about an axis.

Angular Momentum Conservation

In the absence of external torques, the total angular momentum of a system remains constant.

Precession of Rotation Axis

The gradual shift in the orientation of a planet's rotational axis, caused by torques from non-symmetrical mass distribution.

Isostasy

The equilibrium of the Earth's crust floating on the denser underlying mantle, balancing vertical loads.

Archimedes' Principle

A principle stating that a floating body displaces its own weight of water.

Airy's Hypothesis

A model of isostasy that suggests the outer crust has uniform density and that mountains have deep roots to maintain balance.

Pratt's Hypothesis

A model of isostasy assuming a constant depth to the Earth's crust, with variations in density based on surface topography.

Glacial Isostatic Adjustment (GIA)

The process of rebound of the Earth's lithosphere following the melting of ice sheets, leading to uplift.