How did Charles Lyell explain Earth's geological features?
A) Lyell said Earth's features were a result of supernatural forces creating Earth in the same shape and form he observed and that it had not changed over time.
B) Lyell said Earth's features were a result of cataclysmic events, like volcano eruptions and earthquakes, which resulted in rapid reshaping of Earth's features.
C) Lyell said Earth's features were a result of the same processes currently observable, which have occurred over very long periods of time in a slow, gradual manner.
D) Lyell said Earth's features were a result of the same processes currently observable, which have occurred over relatively short periods of time punctuated by periods of rapid change.

Question

How did Charles Lyell explain Earth's geological features? 
A) Lyell said Earth's features were a result of supernatural forces creating Earth in the same shape and form he observed and that it had not changed over time. 
B) Lyell said Earth's features were a result of cataclysmic events, like volcano eruptions and earthquakes, which resulted in rapid reshaping of Earth's features. 
C) Lyell said Earth's features were a result of the same processes currently observable, which have occurred over very long periods of time in a slow, gradual manner. 
D) Lyell said Earth's features were a result of the same processes currently observable, which have occurred over relatively short periods of time punctuated by periods of rapid change.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Lyell's principle of uniformitarianism states that the same geological processes that are currently happening on Earth have been happening slowly and gradually over long periods of time and have shaped Earth's features. This idea was in opposition to the prevailing belief at the time that Earth was shaped by catastrophic events.

How Did Charles Lyell Explain Earth's Geological Features