Contrast, Essay Example

Catastrophism may be considered as contrary to Uniformitarianism. In the former it is believed that the earth’s strata or crustal features are the result of a prior cataclysmic event. Meaning that the scarred layers of the earth are a result of a series of natural disasters. This has been “the accepted doctrine for over 150 years.”  (Catastrophism).  Uniformitarianism otherwise states “current geologic processes, occurring at the same rates observed today, in the same manner, account for all of earth’s geological features.” (Catastrophism).  The concept of Uniformatrianism dismisses the concept of prior cataclysmic events James Hutton was the first to prescribe the doctrine of Uniformitarianism in his work entitled “Theory of the Earth (1785)” and this was subsequently endorsed by Sir Charles Lyell in his book entitled “The Principles of Geology (1830)” (Catastrophism).  Recent events including the eruption of Mt. St Helens (1980) have since validated the philosophy of catastrophism and dismissed Uniformitarianism on the basis of solid evidence looking at rock strata samples, misplaced fossils and missing layers. “Bernard Palissy who lived from 1510-1589 believed the Earth was much older” (University of Oregon)

There have been nearly 300 worldwide floods that have produced significant empirical evidence to support catastrophism “Approximately 95% of all earth’s fossil remains discovered thus far are marine invertebrates. Of the remainder, approximately 4.74% are plant fossils, 0.25% are land invertebrates (including insects), and 0.0125% are vertebrates (the majority of which are fish).” (Catastrophism).   In accordance with this theory each world catastrophe destroyed the existing life and each new life created differed from that of the previous one. French scientists Georges Cuvier (1769-1832) advocated the theory of catastrophism, as did most other leading scientists of his day” (Neil)

Works Cited

Catastrophism. Catastrophism — Past Cataclysmic Activity. 2010. 31 10 2010 <http://www.catastrophism.net/>.

Neil, Dennis O. Early theories of Evolution. 6 1 2010. 31 10 2010 <http://anthro.palomar.edu/evolve/evolve_1.htm>.

University of Oregon. Catastrophism. 2010. 31 10 2010 <http://abyss.uoregon.edu/~js/lectures/age_of_the_earth/age_of_the_earth.html>.