Huttonian Theory of the Earth

The Huttonian Theory of the Earth, proposed by James Hutton in the 18th century, suggests that Earth’s geological features develop gradually over vast periods through natural processes like erosion, sedimentation, and volcanic activity. Hutton introduced the idea that the Earth's crust is constantly changing and that these processes are ongoing, shaping landscapes over immense time scales—what he called "deep time." He believed that geological formations are the result of slow, continuous forces rather than sudden events, laying the foundation for modern understanding of geological processes and Earth's history.