Lithospheric flexure refers to the bending of the Earth’s lithosphere under the weight of an overlying load, such as a mountain range, ice sheet, or volcanic island. This process is important in understanding isostatic adjustments, the formation of foreland basins, and the structural response of the lithosphere to loading and unloading events.
Reference: Watts, A. B. (2001). “Isostasy and Flexure of the Lithosphere.” Cambridge University Press.