What causes isostatic rebound?

Isostatic rebound is the uplift and readjustment of the land after a glaciation. During the last glacial maximum, and other ice ages, the weight of the ice sheets pressed down on the land, causing it to sink and depress. However due to the relative elasticity of the mantle, once the ice melted, the land was able to rebound upwards. Some areas are continuing to do so today, such as Western Scotland. Landforms such as relict cliffs and raised beaches are evidence of this ongoing process. 

MH

Related Geography A Level answers

All answers ▸

Explain the process of suburbanisation and describe its effects (8 marks)


Assess the extent to which China is a threat to the USA's status as the only current superpower.


Briefly explain how both social and environmental considerations are important in sustainable development (6 marks)


Describe and comment on the social, economic and political implications of population change?