The_____________ of a portion of a lithospheric plate determines its final elevation. I can't find an answer.

Since this is not my area of expertise, I searched Google under the key words "lithospheric plate elevation" to get these possible sources:

(Broken Link Removed)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tectonic_plate
http://72.14.253.104/search?q=cache:sn2_3so5Vn0J:bullard.esc.cam.ac.uk/~keith/Publications/KoizumiRP1997_bssa.pdf+lithospheric+plate+elevation&hl=en&gl=us&ct=clnk&cd=3&client=safari
http://72.14.253.104/search?q=cache:HKPaXx1qjPsJ:www.cosis.net/abstracts/EGU06/07623/EGU06-J-07623.pdf+lithospheric+plate+elevation&hl=en&gl=us&ct=clnk&cd=6&client=safari
http://interactive2.usgs.gov/learningweb/teachers/volcanoes_guide_glossary.htm
http://serc.carleton.edu/ess_vocab/part3.htm

I hope this helps. Thanks for asking.

The elevation of a portion of a lithospheric plate is determined by a combination of processes such as plate tectonics, erosion, and deposition. It is not solely determined by one factor.

To understand how the elevation is determined, you can look into the processes involved:

1. Plate Tectonics: The movement and interaction of lithospheric plates play a significant role in determining the final elevation. When two plates collide, the crust may crumple and fold, creating mountain ranges with higher elevations. Conversely, when two plates move apart, new crust may form, leading to the creation of rift zones and lower elevations.

2. Erosion: The process of erosion, primarily driven by water, wind, and ice, can wear down landforms and lower their elevation. Over time, the effects of erosion can reshape the land, creating valleys and plains with lower elevations.

3. Deposition: On the other hand, deposition is the process by which sediment is transported and deposited onto the Earth's surface. Sediments can be sourced from weathering and erosion of rocks and can accumulate in low-lying areas, gradually building up the elevation.

It's important to note that the final elevation of a portion of a lithospheric plate is the result of a complex interplay between these processes over millions of years. Additionally, local factors such as climate, geology, and tectonic activity can also influence the final elevation of an area.

For more specific information on the topic, I recommend consulting the sources I provided earlier or conducting further research using the keywords "lithospheric plate elevation."