Earth, Our Environment - Class Notes
Chapter 1, The Changing Planet - 10
The Present is the Key to the Past

An important philosophical approach to geological studies is the idea that processes which we observe in action today, were the same that operated throughout much of Earth history.

The same argument is used in cosmological studies and it is a very successful approach to these sciences. The concept has passed many tests with little modification. It works.

An important realization that is often lost in the details of science or study is a true appreciation for the fact that physical laws are uniformly applicable throughout the Universe, and throughout the history of the Universe.

The Universe did not have to be designed to work so steadily and be so consistent in its adherence to simple physical principles. Fortunately for us, it does and did.


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Prepared by: Charles J. Ammon
cammon@geosc.psu.edu
January 1997