Question

question 4 of 10
which statement best summarizes the conclusions of hutton and lyell?
a. processes that change earths surface are the result of sudden catastrophic events.
b. the processes that change earths features today did not operate in the same way in the past.
c. earth is very old, and geological changes occur gradually over long periods of time.
d. geological changes are powerful forces that quickly alter earths surface.

Explanation:

James Hutton and Charles Lyell proposed the principle of uniformitarianism. This principle states that the same geological processes that operate today have operated throughout Earth's history. They argued that Earth is ancient and that geological changes (such as erosion, sedimentation) happen slowly over vast periods of time.

• Option A is incorrect as it represents the view of catastrophism (opposite of Hutton and Lyell's ideas).
• Option B is wrong because Hutton and Lyell believed in the uniformity of processes (processes acting today also acted in the past).
• Option D is incorrect as it implies quick changes, while Hutton and Lyell emphasized gradual change.

Answer:

C. Earth is very old, and geological changes occur gradually over long periods of time.