Least square criterion for isostasy

Summary Least square criterion has been introduced to specify the order of isostatic compensation of mountains. The hydrostatic stability of the mountains is of basic significance in plate tectonics. However different concepts of isostasy differ in the evaluation of its order. An elegant and rapid technique is developed which extends the symmetric matrix method of root estimation byNegi andGarde 1]³) to provide a stability test through the mathematical expectation of the root increment. Application is illustrated for Rocky Mountains, United States.