Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
catastrophism
Noun
/kəˈtæs.trə.fɪ.zəm/
Definition
Catastrophism is the theory that the Earth’s features are largely shaped by sudden, short-lived, and violent events, such as natural disasters.
Examples
- The concept of catastrophism suggests that the landscape can change dramatically after a major earthquake.
- Many scientists once backed catastrophism to explain the extinction of the dinosaurs.
- Catastrophism contrasts with uniformitarianism, which emphasizes gradual processes over time.
Meaning
The belief that geological changes and events, like earthquakes or asteroid impacts, happen suddenly and dramatically, rather than through slow, gradual processes.
Synonyms
- Disaster theory
- Sudden change
- Natural disaster theory
