uniformitarianism Definition
- 1the theory that changes in the earth's crust during geological history have resulted from the action of continuous and uniform processes
- 2the belief that the same natural laws and processes that operate in the universe now have always operated in the universe in the past and apply everywhere in the universe
Using uniformitarianism: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "uniformitarianism" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
Uniformitarianism is a fundamental principle in geology.
Example
Uniformitarianism suggests that the Earth's surface was shaped by slow-moving forces.
Example
Uniformitarianism is often associated with Charles Lyell, a British geologist.
uniformitarianism Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for uniformitarianism
Antonyms for uniformitarianism
Phrases with uniformitarianism
a principle that explains the features of the Earth's crust by means of natural processes over long periods of geological time
Example
The idea of geological uniformitarianism was first proposed by James Hutton.
a principle that explains the evolution of the universe by means of natural processes that have remained constant throughout its history
Example
Cosmological uniformitarianism suggests that the universe has always been expanding at a constant rate.
a debate between two opposing views on how the Earth's surface was shaped: uniformitarianism suggests that it was shaped by slow-moving forces over a long period of time, while catastrophism suggests that it was shaped by sudden, violent events
Example
The uniformitarianism versus catastrophism debate was resolved in favor of uniformitarianism in the 19th century.
Origins of uniformitarianism
from Latin 'uni-' meaning 'one' + 'formis' meaning 'form' + '-itarian' meaning 'relating to a doctrine or system'
Summary: uniformitarianism in Brief
Uniformitarianism [yoo-nuh-fawr-mi-tair-ee-uh-niz-uhm] is a geological theory that explains changes in the Earth's crust as resulting from continuous and uniform processes. It also refers to the belief that natural laws and processes that operate in the universe now have always operated in the universe in the past and apply everywhere in the universe. Uniformitarianism is often associated with Charles Lyell and is contrasted with catastrophism.
