Chapter 11.1, Problem 1BYL

To determine

The summary regarding the factors that control regional elevation.

Answer to Problem 1BYL

The factors that control regional elevations are the thickness of the crust, temperature of the material, and density of the material.

Explanation of Solution

The primary factor controlling regional elevations are the crustal thickness, although it is also influenced by the temperature and density of materials in the crust and upper mantle.

Areas with a thicker crust are higher when compared to those with a thinner crust. For instance, mountain ranges or orogeny belts contain deep crustal roots. Areas underlain by less dense crust are higher in elevation than areas by more dense crust with a similar thickness.

Elevation is also affected by the temperature of the mantle and crust. Cooler rocks are denser than warmer rocks. Hence, areas containing warm rocks are higher in elevation than those containing cooler rocks.