"The present is the key to the past" is the uniformitarian concept that ________.
A)geologic processes give rise to the same types of products and features
B)rivers, seas, mountains, etc.are perpetual features of an unchanging landscape
C)each mountain that is eroding today to produce river sediment has always done so
D)the rates of geologic processes (erosion, sedimentation, volcanism)are invariant

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The uniformitarian concept of "the present is the key to the past" means that geologic processes that are happening now are the ones that have been happening throughout Earth's history. Therefore, we can use present-day processes and features to interpret past geologic events and features. Option A correctly reflects this idea, as it states that geologic processes produce the same types of products and features. The other options are incorrect because they suggest that geologic features and processes are unchanging or invariant, which goes against the uniformitarian principle.

"The Present Is the Key to the Past" Is the Uniformitarian