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Letter RGeology glossary

Radiometric Dating

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.

Geologic layers showing relative and numerical dating timeline (radiometric dating)
Fig. 1 Geologic layers showing relative and numerical dating timeline (radiometric dating)

Source Faure, G. (1986). “Principles of Isotope Geology.” Wiley.

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