Catastrophism vs Uniformitarianism
Module 7
Uniformitarianism

The assumption that the same natural laws and
processes that operate in the universe now have
always operated in the universe in the past and
apply everywhere in the universe.
The present is the key to the past
Uniformitarianism Geology

Sediment is deposited at river deltas

Mud deposits at the bottom of the ocean

Water evaporates leaving behind accumulations of
sediment

Dead Sea is full of salt sediments and water evaporates at
about 120 inches/year
Implications of Uniformitarianism




The processes responsible for laying down sedimentary
rock layers today are the same as in the past
These processes take millions of years
A given layer of sedimentary rock represents a
different period in earth’s history
Fossils are founds in layers that match up with the time
period in which they lived.
Catastrophism

Theory that earth has been affected in the past by
sudden, short-lived, and violent events.
Catastrophic Geology


The first igneous & metamorphic rock & sedimentary
rock layers were laid as part of Creation.
The flood may be responsible for:
 the
rapid deposition of rocks layers
 The tilting of rock layers
 Rapid erosion and formation of canyons
Catastrophic Geology



Very few fossils in lower layers due to the nature of
Creation week
Rock layers formed during the flood will have many
more fossils due to mass death of air-breathing
animals
Different layers represent different stages of the
flood
Implications of Catastrophism



Bible’s account of creation and Noah’s flood may
explain much of the geological record.
No significant geological activity from creation to
Noah’s flood.
Different layers of rock and fossils do not represent
different periods in earth’s history.
Evolution and the Fossil Record

Geologists believe that the Theory of Evolution may
explain why fossils in older rock layers are very
different from fossils in younger rock layers.
 Theory
of Evolution – life forms have changed over
time, or evolved, from simpler to more complex forms.
 Natural
Selection – individuals that are better adapted
to their environment are more likely to survive and
reproduce.