A mountain that floats on the mantle indicates that the density of the mantle is
A)less than that of the mountain.
B)about the same as that of the mountain.
C)greater than that of the mountain.
D)none of the above

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Mountains do not literally "float" on the mantle, but this question refers to the principle of isostasy, which suggests that the Earth's lithosphere floats on the more fluid asthenosphere beneath it. For something to float on another substance, the floating object must be less dense than the substance it is floating on. Therefore, if a mountain is said to "float" on the mantle, this implies that the density of the mantle is greater than that of the mountain.

A Mountain That Floats on the Mantle Indicates That the Density