catastrophism
1
9.7
- noun
- /kəˈtæstrəˌfɪzəm/
- Specialized
Examples
-
(5) explanation of the Earth's geology by catastrophism, including the occurrence of a worldwide flood.
Academic text (1993) -
The theory of catastrophism suggests that the Earth's landscape was shaped by sudden, violent events like volcanic eruptions and asteroid impacts.
-
Scientists support catastrophism as a valid explanation for some geological formations that cannot be accounted for by gradual changes.
-
Many geologists study catastrophism to understand how rapid events have influenced Earth's history and its present features.
Antonyms
1
9.9
The idea used in geology that the same natural processes always work on Earth
How Sudden
Surface Forms
Morphology
catastrophism = catastrophe (semi-transparent) = catastrophe + ism
Although formed by 'catastrophe' + '-ism', this sense denotes a specific scientific theory, a specialized meaning that may not be fully inferable by an average B1 learner.
Etymology
Catastrophism comes from catastrophe, meaning 'sudden disaster', and -ism, meaning 'a theory or belief'. In Earth science it names the idea that sudden, violent events rather than slow change made many of the planet's features.