What are the main differences between gradualism and catastrophism in the context of geological processes?

Gradualism and catastrophism are two contrasting theories in geology. Gradualism suggests that geological changes occur slowly and steadily over long periods of time, while catastrophism proposes that sudden and violent events, such as earthquakes or floods, are responsible for shaping the Earth's surface. The main difference lies in the pace and nature of the processes that are believed to have shaped the Earth's features.