GEOLOGY EARTHS STORY Lesson 1 1 Copy this

GEOLOGY – EARTH’S STORY Lesson 1 1

Copy this statement into your notebook. Then write a few sentences about how studying the present could reveal the story of earth’s history. “The Present is the Key to the Past” - By geologist James Hutton, late 1700’s 2

v. A • Catastrophism Principle that states that all geological change occurred suddenly. Catastrophes happen – Rare/often, sudden events, for e. g. Earthquakes, The Noachian flood, Tsunamis, Mudslides, Volcanic eruptions, (Creation? ) 3

Uniformitarianism v. In 1795 -James Hutton philosopher/scientist v. Wrote - Earth’s landforms were constantly and gradually changing 4

What Hutton observed… 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Natural forces breaking down rock… Rivers carry rock particles downstream… Deposition of sediments, forming new layers. Eventually forming new rock… He thought new rock will eventually be uplifted – or from volcanoes – creating new landforms. The cycle will start over again. He judged from the slowness of the processes that Earth must be incredibly old! 5

Uniformitarianism is a Principle that states that the same geological processes shaping the earth today have been constantly, slowly, and gradually, at work, throughout Earth’s history 6

Charles Lyell v. In 1830 published a book, “Principles of Geology” v. Was a friend of both Hutton and Charles Darwin v. He was influenced by Darwin’s Theory of Evolution. 7

The great Debate! v. A HAPPY MEDIUM (middle ground) v. Most modern scientists believe both principles are at work in nature! 8

The Evidence: v. Most geological change is gradual e. g. erosion, tectonic plates v. Catastrophic events do happen! e. g. earthquakes 9

v. Example: An asteroid impacting the Earth is believed to have led to sudden dinosaur extinction v. Tsunami in Japan, 2012 v. Earthquake in Chile, 2015 v. More examples…? 10

Think about this – write your answer in your notebook 1. Why do Earth scientists need the Principle of Uniformitarianism in order to make predictions? 2. Compare and Contrast Uniformitarianism and Catastrophism? Then complete the section on Edmodo 11