Why is james huttons research important

Studying formations along Scotland's Berwickshire coast at Siccar Point, Hutton discovered that sedimentary rocks originated through a series of successive floods. He also observed that igneous rocks were distinct from sedimentary deposits and recorded the gradual actions of geomorphic processes, like weathering and erosion. Hutton studied rainfall and climate data on different regions of the world. He concluded that rainfall everywhere is regulated by:. It is unclear if it was Erasmus Darwin — Charles Darwin's grandfather — or James Hutton who first suggested this theory.

However Hutton did study the decrease in temperature, linking it with height. Hutton also devised a wet-bulb thermometer to measure humidity.

However a 'Mr Leslie' came up with the same idea independently. Painted by R. Cosway Engraved by J. Smith Published February 22, by J. John Kay - was a barber in Edinburgh who eventually went on to make almost caricature etchings of local figures.

Three of his prints depict James Hutton. His thinking on natural selection influenced Charles Darwin in developing his theory of evolution. All rights reserved. This merger formed a new powerhouse for research into food, land use, and climate change.

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