The key difference between uniformitarianism and catastrophism is the manner in which they explain the changes in the Earth’s crust during geological history. Uniformitarianism states that the changes in the Earth’s crust are a result of the action of continuous and uniform processes, while catastrophism states the changes in the Earth’s crust are mainly a result of sudden violent and unusual events.
Uniformitarianism and Catastrophism are two geographical theories developed regarding Earth’s geological features. Uniformitarianism proposes that the geological features of Earth were created in slow incremental changes such as erosion. In contrast, catastrophism suggests the Earth has largely been shaped by sudden, short-lived, violent events.
CONTENTS
1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Uniformitarianism
3. What is Catastrophism
4. Similarities Between Uniformitarianism and Catastrophism
5. Side by Side Comparison – Uniformitarianism vs Catastrophism in Tabular Form
6. Summary
What is Uniformitarianism?
The doctrine of uniformity is the assumption that the same natural laws and processes operating in the present-day scientific observation have always operated in the past. This theory states that the forces and processes observable at the Earth’s surface are the same that have shaped Earth’s landscape throughout natural history. In geology, uniformitarianism has a gradualistic concept. It explains that the present is the key to the past. It also describes that geological events occur at the same rate now as they have always done. The name of this concept was first coined by Willian Whewell, and it was originally proposed in contrast to catastrophism by the British naturalist in the late 18th century. The principles of theory further augmented by the work of scientists like James Hutton, John Playfair, and Charles Lyell.
Figure 01: Uniformitarianism
Today it is believed that uniformitarianism is a theory originally proposed by James Hutton and made popular by Charles Lyell in the 19th century. According to this theory, earth sculpting (shaping) is due to the processes of erosion, deposition, compaction and uplift that occurred at extremely slow rates. But they have occurred throughout history at constant rates. James Hutton, in his book entitled “Theory of the Earth” concludes that the age of the Earth is incredibly old, and the mind is not able to estimate its length.
What is Catastrophism?
Catastrophism was a geological theory developed by Gorges Curvier based on planetological evidence in the Paris Basin. Gorges Curvier explained this theory based on fossils record. Catastrophism states that natural history has been punctuated by catastrophic events that altered the way of life developed and rocks were developed. Catastrophism is the idea that the Earth’s features have remained fairly static until dramatic changes were wrought by sudden, short-lived, violent events (catastrophes).
Figure 02: Catastrophism
Catastrophism further proposed the geological epochs had ended with violent and sudden natural catastrophes such as great floods and the rapid formation of major mountain chains. The plants and animals that lived in the parts of the world where such events occurred were made extinct or were abruptly replaced by new forms. However, scientists now have a more integrated view of geological events, reflecting acceptance of some catastrophic events along with gradual changes. Today many geologists combine the standpoints of catastrophism and uniformitarianism to explain Earth’s history is a slow, gradual story punctuated by natural catastrophic events that have affected the Earth and its inhabitants.
What are the Similarities Between Uniformitarianism and Catastrophism?
- Both theories use rock fossils as evidence.
- Today many geologists combine the standpoints of catastrophism and uniformitarianism to explain Earth’s history is a slow, gradual story punctuated by natural catastrophic events that have affected the Earth and its inhabitants.
What is the Difference Between Uniformitarianism and Catastrophism?
Uniformitarianism suggests that the geological features of Earth were created in slow incremental changes such as erosion. In contrast, catastrophism states that the Earth has largely been sculpted by sudden, short-lived, violent events. So, this is the key difference between uniformitarianism and catastrophism. In uniformitarianism theory, the Earth’s features are mostly accounted for by gradual, small-scale processes that occurred over a large period of time. This is also known as gradualism. On the other hand, catastrophism is the theory the Earth’s features are mostly accounted for by violent, large-scale events that occurred in a relatively short amount of time.
Below is a list of differences between uniformitarianism and catastrophism in tabular form.
Summary – Uniformitarianism vs Catastrophism
Uniformitarianism explains that processes that happen today (erosion, weathering) happened in the same way and at the same rate since the beginning of time. That means geologic time is extremely slow. Catastrophism explains that all geologic processes happened all at once (volcanic eruptions). Thus, this is the key difference between uniformitarianism and catastrophism. However, modern scientists have a more integrated view of geological events, reflecting acceptance of some catastrophic events along with gradual changes.
Reference:
1. “Uniformitarianism.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 25 Mar. 2021, Available here.
2. “Theories of Geological Evolution: Catastrophism vs Uniformitarianism.” Study.com, Available here.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Siccar Point red capstone closeup” By dave souza – Own work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Flooding at the Public Museum” By Rick Locke (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0) via Flickr