Geohistory as a Discipline

Abstract

Earth science is aimed at understanding the structure of the earth (including in a broad sense the moon, meteorites and planets) and the various phenomena that have occurred or are occurring there. All terrestrial phenomena are governed basically by the laws of physics, and in a large sense fall within the framework of physics. In certain respects, however, earth science and astronomy differ somewhat from physics in the normal sense of the term. This difference derives from the fact that in many cases terrestrial phenomena occur over an extremely long period which far exceeds man’s experience. Take continental drift for example: the relative drift that has occurred between the American continents and the African and European continents took place over a period of more than 100 million years. This movement is so slow that it is impossible for man to be aware of it within his brief lifespan of 100 years at the most.