Page 74 - Allah's Miracles in the Qur'an

Allah's Miracles in the Qur'an

root-like stalks attaching them to the surface:
The fundamental difference between continental mountains and the
oceanic mountains lies in its material... But the common denominator on both
mountains are that they have roots to support the mountains. In the case of con-
tinental mountains, light-low density material from the mountain is extended
down into the earth as a root. In the case of oceanic mountains, there is also light
material supporting the mountain as a root... Therefore, the function of the
roots are to support the mountains according to the law of Archimedes. 27

Furthermore, a book titled Earth, by Dr. Frank Press, former presi-
dent of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences, which is still used as a
text book in a great many universities, states that mountains are like
stakes, and are buried deep under the surface of the Earth. 28
In other verses, this role of the mountains is pointed out by a com-
parison with "pegs":
Haven't We made the Earth as a bed and the mountains its pegs?
(Qur'an, 78:6-7)
In another verse it is revealed that Allah "made the mountains
firm." (Qur'an, 79:32) The word "arsaahaa" in this verse means "was
made rooted, was fixed, was nailed to the earth." Similarly, mountains

extend to the surface layer joining lines on and below the surface, and
nail these together. By fixing the Earth's crust they prevent any sliding
over the magma layer or amongst the layers themselves. In short,
mountains can be compared to nails holding strips of wood together.
The fixing effect of mountains is known as isostasy in scientific litera-
ture. Isostasy is the state of equilibrium between the upward force cre-
ated by the mantle layer and the downward force created by the Earth's
crust. As mountains lose mass due to erosion, soil loss or melting of
glaciers, they can gain mass from the formation of glaciers, volcanic
explosions or soil formation. Therefore, as mountains grow lighter they
are pressed upwards by the raising force implemented by the liquids.
Alternatively, as they grow heavier they are pressed into the mantle by

the force of gravity. Equilibrium between these two forces is established

72