Theories of Geological Evolution
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Transcript of Theories of Geological Evolution
Theories of Geological Evolution
First StopCatastrophismHow is it possible to explain the worldaround you, without science?
Until the 1700s, most Europeans thought that a Biblical Flood played a major role in shaping the Earth's surface.
Catastrophism – the theory that Earth’s features are
mostly accounted for by violent, large- scale events that occurred in a
relatively short amount of time.
Second StopUniformitarianismIn the 1785 a new theorywas proposed by James Hutton, called Uniformitarianism.Charles Lyell expanded on this theory and wrote “Principals of Geology.”
Uniformitarianism – the theory that Earth’s features are mostly accounted for by
gradual, small-scale processes that occurred over long periods of time.
“The present is the key to the past.”
Notes1st theory – Catastrophism Earth shaped by catastrophes
2nd theory – UniformitarianismEarth shaped gradually by constant geologic processes
3rd theory – Continental DriftContinents were once connected and then drifted apart
4th theory – Plate Tectonics Convection seafloor spreading push and pull of
Earth’s plates
The Rise and Fall of a theory…and how it was saved changed.
Using 4 lines of evidence, Wegener was able to identify that the
continents were onceassembled asPangaea.
Third StopContinental Drift
NAME the Evidence
Fourth Stop ---- Final StopPlate Tectonics
Solving the mystery of Drifting Continents.
Harry Hess
With the person next to you:
1. Review your guided notes and list all of the evidences used in the theory of plate tectonics.
2. Draw a model of seafloor spreading and include the following aspects
◦ Mid-ocean ridge (MOR)◦ 2 lithospheric plates, include your crusts◦ 2 Convection Currents