James Hutton (1726-1797) was a Scottish geologist who is considered the founder of modern geology. He studied at the University of Edinburgh during the Scottish Enlightenment. Through his observations of rock formations in Scotland, Hutton developed the theory of deep time, hypothesizing that geological processes occurred gradually over immense periods of time. Some of his key contributions included establishing the concept of an ancient Earth, introducing the idea of a continuous geological cycle of rock formation and erosion, and providing early evidence for plate tectonics. Hutton's work laid the foundation for understanding the immense timescale involved in geological processes.

1. James Hutton
(Father of Geology)

2. INTRODUCTION
Born - 3 June 1727
Died - 26 March 1797 (age 70)
Citizenship Great Britain
Nationality Scottish
Fields - Geology
Known for
Plutonic geology
Deep time
Live Earth
Member of the Royal Society of Agriculture of France

3. Academic Accomplishments
 University of Edinburgh
 Studied during the period of ‘Scottish enlightenment’ 1740-1790
 Noticed by Colin MacIaurin who had trained under Isaac
Newton (who was at Cambridge the same time as James Ray!)
 MacIaurin introduced Hutton to Newtons’s ideas on the cycling
of the planets.
 MacIaurin exposed Hutton to idea of deism = idea that God
perfectly designed and created the universe then let it be….
 Deism played an important role in allowing Hutton to accept an
ancient earth that did not conflict with his belief in God.

4. Hutton and Deism
 Hutton was a Deist
 Deism held that one could gain greater
understanding of God by understanding
nature – his creation
 The “Denudation Dilemma - a
theological conundrum

5. Research
 Hypothesized that heat extreme pressure within the
earth is involved with mineralization
 Discovered irregularities in rock layers – added support
to his hypothesis
 Hutton thought that sedimentation occurred gradually
over time and that all of the geologic processes that one
could observe on earth in the present were what had
formed the earth in the past.
 Great geological cycle= rocks decay/erode and then are
laid down again via sedimentation. A continuous cycle….

6. Achievements
 1-Earth as a living entity
 2- Plutonic geology
 3- Deep time
 4- Live Earth

7. MAJOR CONTRIBUTIONS
 1785. Abstract of a dissertation read in the Royal Society of Edinburgh, upon the
seventh of March, and fourth of April, MDCCLXXXV, Concerning the System of the
Earth, Its Duration, and Stability. Edinburgh. 30pp.
 1788. The theory of rain. Transactions of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, vol. 1, Part
2, pp. 41–86.
 1788. Theory of the Earth; or an investigation of the laws observable in the
composition, dissolution, and restoration of land upon the Globe. Transactions of the
Royal Society of Edinburgh, vol. 1, Part 2, pp. 209–304.
 1792. Dissertations on different subjects in natural philosophy. Edinburgh & London:
Strahan & Cadell.
 1794. Observations on granite. Transactions of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, vol. 3,
pp. 77–81.
 1794. A dissertation upon the philosophy of light, heat, and fire. Edinburgh: Cadell,
Junior, Davies.
 1795. Theory of the Earth; with proofs and illustrations. Edinburgh: Creech. 2 vols.

8. Arthur’s Seat and Salisbury
Crags

9. Evidence for Deep Time –
Hutton’s Unconformity

10. Unconformities at Jedburgh

11. Thank You