Hutton's Theory of Uniformitarianism

Hutton's Theory of Uniformitarianism suggests that the Earth's geological features are shaped over long periods through consistent, natural processes like erosion, sedimentation, and volcanic activity. He believed that these processes have been occurring in much the same way throughout Earth's history, allowing us to understand the present by studying the past. This idea contrasts with earlier views that Earth's features resulted from sudden, catastrophic events. Essentially, Hutton's theory emphasizes that Earth's landscape evolves gradually through ongoing, uniform natural forces.