Catastrophism vs. Uniformitarianism

Catastrophism and uniformitarianism are two theories about how the Earth's features have formed over time. Catastrophism suggests that dramatic, sudden events—like floods, earthquakes, or asteroid impacts—have shaped the landscape. In contrast, uniformitarianism argues that gradual, continuous processes—such as erosion and sedimentation—over long periods have led to current geological formations. In essence, catastrophism focuses on short-lived, significant events, while uniformitarianism emphasizes the slow, steady change of the Earth's surface. Both concepts help us understand the planet's evolution and the forces that have shaped it.