What is absolute dating in geology?

Absolute dating is the process of determining a numerical age or range for an object, rock, or event based on a specified chronology. In geology, this primary method involves using the radioactive decay of elements trapped within rocks and minerals. Some scientists prefer alternative terms like chronometric or calendar dating because the word absolute can imply an unwarranted degree of certainty.

What we know

• Absolute dating provides a numerical age or range, unlike relative dating which only places events in order without measuring the time between them. [2, 3]
• In historical geology, primary absolute dating methods involve measuring the radioactive decay of elements trapped in rocks or minerals. [2]
• Radioactive isotope systems range from radiocarbon dating for younger organic remains to uranium-lead dating for some of Earth's oldest rocks. [2]
• Some scientists prefer terms like chronometric dating or calendar dating because absolute dating can imply an unwarranted certainty of accuracy. [2]

Still open

• Some scientists prefer alternative terms like chronometric or calendar dating due to concerns that the term absolute implies an unwarranted certainty of accuracy.

Where to go next

• compared withHow does relative dating differ from absolute dating?
• how it workedHow do scientists use radioactive decay to date rocks?
• the bigger pictureWhat is geochronology?
• a case in pointHow does radiocarbon dating work for organic remains?
• an unexpected connectionHow is absolute dating applied in archaeology?

Sources

• [1]absolute dating (Wikidata Q332423) · CC0 1.0
• [2]Absolute dating · CC BY-SA 4.0
• [3]Chronological dating · CC BY-SA 4.0
• [4]Geochronology · CC BY-SA 4.0
• [5]Historical geology · CC BY-SA 4.0