u·ni·for·mi·tar·i·an·ism (y  n -fôrm -târ  --nzm)n. The theory that all geologic phenomena may be explained as the result of existing forces having operated uniformly from the origin of the earth to the present time. u ni·formi·tari·an adj. & n. |
uniformitarianism [ˌjuːnɪˌfɔːmɪˈtɛərɪəˌnɪzəm]
n
(Earth Sciences / Geological Science) the concept that the earth's surface was shaped in the past by gradual processes, such as erosion, and by small sudden changes, such as earthquakes, of the type acting today rather than by the sudden divine acts, such as the flood survived by Noah (Genesis 6-8), demanded by the doctrine of catastrophism
| uniformitarianism (yn-fôrm-târ--nzm) The theory that all geologic phenomena may be explained as the result of existing forces having operated uniformly from the origin of the Earth to the present time. See Note at Lyell Charles. |
uniformitarianism
1. Philosophy. a doctrine that the universe is governed only by rigid, unexceptionable law.
2. Geology. the concept that current geological processes explain all past geological occurrences. — uniformitarian, n., adj.
See also: Evolution2. Geology. the concept that current geological processes explain all past geological occurrences. — uniformitarian, n., adj.
the thesis that early geological processes were not unlike those observed today, i.e., gradually occurring. Cf. catastrophism. — uniformitarian, n.
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