Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
uniformitarianism
noun
/juːˌnɪfɔːrmɪˈtɛrɪənɪzəm/
Definition
The doctrine that changes in the earth’s crust during geological history have resulted from the action of continuous and uniform processes.
Examples
- The concept of uniformitarianism is fundamental in geology, helping scientists explain the formation of mountains and valleys over millions of years.
- Charles Lyell was a prominent advocate for uniformitarianism, stressing that the same natural laws and processes that operate today have always operated in the past.
- Understanding uniformitarianism allows geologists to make predictions about future geological events based on current processes.
Meaning
Uniformitarianism is the principle that the geological processes observed in the present day are the same as those that occurred in the past. This concept suggests that by understanding these processes, we can interpret Earth’s geological history.
Synonyms
- Gradualism
- Consistent evolution
- Constant process theory
