The Doctrine of Uniformitarianism

The Doctrine of Uniformitarianism is the idea that the Earth's geological features are formed by natural processes that have been consistently working over long periods. In other words, the same processes like erosion, sedimentation, and volcanic activity we observe today have shaped the landscape throughout Earth's history. This principle helps scientists understand Earth's past by studying current natural processes, assuming they have remained relatively steady over time. It contrasts with theories that rely on sudden, catastrophic events, emphasizing gradual change as the key driver of Earth's geological evolution.