catastrophism Definition
- 1the theory that the Earth has been affected in the past by sudden, short-lived, violent events, possibly worldwide in scope, rather than gradual evolutionary processes
- 2the belief that major changes in the Earth's crust are caused by catastrophes rather than gradual processes
Using catastrophism: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "catastrophism" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
Catastrophism was a popular theory in the 19th century.
Example
The extinction of dinosaurs is often attributed to catastrophism.
Example
Catastrophism suggests that geological features like mountains and canyons were formed by sudden, violent events.
catastrophism Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for catastrophism
- cataclysmism
- catastrophology
Phrases with catastrophism
a debate between two opposing views on the history of the Earth. Uniformitarianism holds that geological processes occur gradually and continuously over long periods of time, while catastrophism argues that sudden, violent events have played a major role in shaping the Earth's surface.
Example
The debate between uniformitarianism and catastrophism has been ongoing for centuries.
neo-catastrophism
a modern version of catastrophism that suggests that some geological events, such as asteroid impacts, can have catastrophic effects on life on Earth
Example
Neo-catastrophism suggests that the extinction of the dinosaurs was caused by an asteroid impact.
an event that causes great damage or suffering
Example
The earthquake was a catastrophic event that destroyed many buildings.
Origins of catastrophism
from Greek 'katastrophē' meaning 'overturning'
Summary: catastrophism in Brief
Catastrophism [kuh-tas-truh-fiz-uhm] is a theory that suggests that the Earth has been shaped by sudden, violent events rather than gradual processes. It was popular in the 19th century and is often associated with the extinction of dinosaurs. Catastrophism is contrasted with uniformitarianism, which holds that geological processes occur gradually over long periods of time. Modern versions of catastrophism include neo-catastrophism, which suggests that some geological events can have catastrophic effects on life on Earth.
