This topic contains a solution. Click here to go to the answer

Author Question: What is the basic premise of the principle of uniformitarianism?[br][br][b][color=black]Question ... (Read 65 times)

APUS57

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 571
What is the basic premise of the principle of uniformitarianism?

Question 2

Discuss the geothermal gradient. What is it? What causes it? What are its limitations?



Related Topics

Need homework help now?

Ask unlimited questions for free

Ask a Question
Marked as best answer by a Subject Expert

nyrave

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 344
Answer to Question 1

The principle of uniformitarianism is based on the premise that present-day processes have operated throughout geologic time.The physical and chemical laws of nature have remained the same over time. Thus, even though the rates and intensities of geologic processes have varied during the past, the physical and chemical laws of nature have remained the same.

Answer to Question 2

Temperature increase with depth, or geothermal gradient, is approximately 25C/km near the surface. In areas of active or recently active volcanism, the geothermal gradient is greater than in adjacent nonvolcanic areas, and temperature rises faster beneath spreading ridges than elsewhere beneath the seafloor. Much of Earth's internal heat is generated by radioactive decay. When isotopes decay, they emit energetic particles and gamma rays that heat surrounding rocks. Because rock is such a poor conductor of heat, it takes little radioactive decay to build up considerable heat, given enough time. Unfortunately, the geothermal gradient is not useful for estimating temperatures at great depth. But if various studies and hypotheses are reasonably accurate, the geothermal gradient in the mantle is only about 1C/km.




APUS57

  • Member
  • Posts: 571
Reply 2 on: Jul 13, 2018
:D TYSM


xiazhe

  • Member
  • Posts: 331
Reply 3 on: Yesterday
Excellent

 

Did you know?

The toxic levels for lithium carbonate are close to the therapeutic levels. Signs of toxicity include fine hand tremor, polyuria, mild thirst, nausea, general discomfort, diarrhea, vomiting, drowsiness, muscular weakness, lack of coordination, ataxia, giddiness, tinnitus, and blurred vision.

Did you know?

People with alcoholism are at a much greater risk of malnutrition than are other people and usually exhibit low levels of most vitamins (especially folic acid). This is because alcohol often takes the place of 50% of their daily intake of calories, with little nutritional value contained in it.

Did you know?

Though the United States has largely rejected the metric system, it is used for currency, as in 100 pennies = 1 dollar. Previously, the British currency system was used, with measurements such as 12 pence to the shilling, and 20 shillings to the pound.

Did you know?

According to research, pregnant women tend to eat more if carrying a baby boy. Male fetuses may secrete a chemical that stimulates their mothers to step up her energy intake.

Did you know?

People often find it difficult to accept the idea that bacteria can be beneficial and improve health. Lactic acid bacteria are good, and when eaten, these bacteria improve health and increase longevity. These bacteria included in foods such as yogurt.

For a complete list of videos, visit our video library