Geology Reference
In-Depth Information
ative size, weight, and distance from each other) results in the observed interac-
tion described by the law of gravity.
Both a scientific law and a scientific theory could be accurately described as
“fact.” Both are developed out of hypotheses that have been tested and proved
true. A well-tested and generally accepted theory is considered true even though
it may still be tested by the proposal of new hypotheses and experimentation. In
some cases, part of a theory may be shown to be untrue, in which case the theory
will be adjusted to accommodate this new truth without the entire theory being
called into question.
The road to paradigms
A really thorough, well-tested, and widely accepted theory may become the current sci-
entific paradigm.
Scientific paradigms
are patterns that serve as models for further re-
search. Right now, plate tectonics theory is the paradigm within which all new geologic
research takes place. The explanation provided by plate tectonics theory is accepted as
proven true, and most researchers seek to answer questions that refine their under-
standing of this process rather than seeking to disprove the theory as a whole.
Paradigms, like theories, may change with new information; the change is called a
paradigm shift.
A paradigm shift brings a new perspective — a whole new way of looking
at things. For example, the acceptance of the ancient age of the earth was a paradigm
shift for early geologists. These scientists had struggled to explain how geologic features
were created in the short span of a few thousand years (previously accepted as the age
of the earth). The new paradigm of earth being billions of years old provided a frame-
work within which geologic processes had plenty of time to occur, creating the features
they observed. (See Chapter 3 for more discussion about this particular paradigm shift.)
Speaking in Tongues: Why Geologists
Seem to Speak a Separate Language
As with many sciences, when you begin to study geology you may find yourself over-
whelmed by all the new words that you have to learn. Indeed, geologists have their own
language for describing rocks, earth processes, and geologic features. But after you get
the hang of what all the different words indicate, reading about geology is much less in-
timidating.
