The subject of dynamic geology

The modern form to define them by means of gradual changes. Further changes are made under the same laws. Each day entails changes: volcanoes continuously emit lava, ash and rocks, parts of the earth's crust moves along the cracks and produce earthquakes, rivers are solids made within continents, and repent of them on the seabed. Along with the many other personalities from day to day running of the destruction of some structures and over the creation of others. All these processes occur so slowly that for a short time, we do not notice them and even get used to think that the Earth remains in its main features intact. But are millions of years, and the result of gradual imperceptible figures are stately change the earth's surface. The study of these changes is the principal task of geology. All the phenomena occurring on the Earth's surface, composed of tumors, alteration and destruction of masses of its constituent. Geology examines the forces that produce these effects, and figures, with the participation of which they are made, and also studies the laws of the latter. Among the paths leading to the solution of this problem, the simplest and most accurate is to study processes occurring on Earth and accessible to direct observation, as well as to clarify those results, which will result in such processes over time. The main feature of modern science and is the introduction of this method. It was first proposed by Goff, author of "History of the natural changes the earth's surface» («Geschichte der natiirlichen Veranderungen der Erdoberflache»), and put into general use Lyayellem in his "Principles of Geology» («Principles of geology»). As an opponent of big upheavals that allegedly occurred in earlier geological periods, and recognizing the complete uniformity of processes in all periods of Earth's history, Lyayell brought his teaching to the extreme. One can not but agree with him when he stands up against the sudden appearance of mountain chains and instant formation of volcanoes, by swelling the crust, or when he rejects the possibility of large floods, the decisive influence of the earth's heat on climate and a number of other erroneous assumptions - at last, when he magnificent geological phenomenon ascribes the cumulative effects of small forces. Assuming that the Earth has evolved gradually over time, he simply and satisfactorily explains the geological facts, while they rejected the hypothesis require arbitrary assumptions that are contrary to the laws of physics and chemistry. But the extreme views Lyayellya could not be accepted by modern science: we can not accept the unconditional and universal uniformity of geological changes, especially in the earliest periods of life of Earth. As seen from previous chapters, the temperature increase towards the center, the existence of volcanoes and current status of many celestial bodies suggests that, initially, our planet was in a molten state and gradually hardened, with a gradual cooling of the Earth alone the forces acting on its surface, have been strengthened, others weakened. Of course, such changes occur very slowly, and since the Cambrian period are almost invisible. But the fact of their existence is unquestionable, and in recognition of his is the difference between modern geology from the teachings of Lyayellya, which tends to deny even the molten state of the Earth in the first period of its existence. But if in principle to distinguish between the teachings Lyayellya and modern science great, then the explanation of individual phenomena disagreement is negligible. We stand, in any case, on the ground, which indicated Goff and Lyayell, and seek to explain geological phenomena by studying the changes be done in the now. Of course, this method does not always apply: some of the processes occur so slowly and gradually, not only short of human life, but those few centuries, during which conduct research, not enough to study them, some forces are beyond the reach of depth and will remain forever inaccessible to the human eye. In these cases, we can draw conclusions only on those final results of which are directly observed. Where it is impossible and it is there by analogy and based on general physical and chemical laws of science sets out a number of possible processes, and in some cases resort to the deductive method. Do not, however, forget that, beyond the induction of natural science, we find inaccurate conclusions, and especially away from the truth than continue to apply a number of similar opinions.