] In one model of the earth the continents are assumed to float on layers of mol

Question

] In one model of the earth the continents are assumed to float on layers of molten rock below. Take the average specific gravity of the continents to be sc = 2.67. Assume that they are supported hydrostatically by the underlying material with an average specific gravity s0 = 3.27. (a) If the continents are modeled as blocks of thickness t, show that the depth of the continent is (sc/s0)t. (b) If the average elevation of the continent were 3.00 km, what thickness would this model predict for that continent?

Explanation / Answer

When continents floats on molten rock , rock will provide buoyant force that will support the weight of the continent.

Buoyant force = weight of continent

Vsubmerged *So *g = Vcontinent *Sc *g

Vsubmerged / Vcontinent = [2.67/3.27] =0.8165

Suppose the continent is in shape of cuboid whose area is A and height is t and deptht of submerged part is

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