
Concept explainers
The term principle of uniformity and its underlying assumptions.

Answer to Problem 1CQ
The Earth’s history can be interpreted by tracing it backward from the present to the past. This tracing needs a frame of reference for slow and constant change and not the catastrophic frame of reference. The principle of uniformity is often considered as a statement that the present is key to the past.
Explanation of Solution
The principle of uniformity states that the geologic processes that are changing rocks today are the same processes that changed the rocks in the past. The only difference is only in the rate at which the rocks are changing. This principle includes immediate or catastrophic events on the Earth’s surface. The principle of uniformity explains that the physical and chemical laws that are seen today functions exactly the same way as in the past.
The principle of uniformity is based on the assumption that the interpretation of the history of the Earth can be made by tracing it backward from the present to the past. This needs a slow and constant change for this frame of reference.
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Chapter 16 Solutions
Integrated Science
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