Which of the following theories about geologic processes is most supported by the scientific evidence? Catastrophism, gradualism, uniformitarianism, and volcanism.

Respuesta :

Answer;

uniformitarianism

Explanation;

-Uniformitarianism is the doctrine that existing processes acting in the same manner and with essentially the same intensity as at present are sufficient to account for all geologic change.

-It posits that natural agents now at work on and within the Earth have operated with general uniformity through immensely long periods of time. This theory states that the forces and processes observable at earth’s surface are the same that have shaped earth’s landscape throughout natural history.The earth sculpting processes alluded to above are the processes of erosion, deposition, compaction and uplift. Although these processes are constant, they occur at extremely slow rates.

Answer:

The answer is Uniformitarianism

Explanation:

Charles Lyell presented a variety of geologic evidence from England, France, Italy, and Spain to prove Hutton's ideas correct and to reject catastrophism. Lyell is internationally recognized for having introduced the uniformitarian theory, which he published in his writings "The Principles of Geology." This theory is often referred to informally by the phrase "The present is the key to the past".

Uniformitarian principles assume that:

  • 1. The very slow processes of erosion and deposition have been the major cause of shaping the earth since its origin.
  • 2. These processes have been operating slowly for countless ages, and therefore the landforms of the crust are extremely old.
  • 3. Rapid catastrophic processes which could affect large areas of the earth are not considered possible. All features of the earth are considered to have formed slowly.