Radiometric dating is a method used to determine the age of rocks, minerals, and fossils by measuring the relative proportions of radioactive isotopes and their decay products. This technique is crucial for establishing the absolute ages of geological formations and the timing of events in Earth’s history, such as the age of the Earth, volcanic eruptions, and fossils.
Reference: Faure, G. (1986). “Principles of Isotope Geology.” Wiley.