The most precise method of dating rocks in which the relative percentage of isotopes of a given radioactive element are estimated.
It is possible to use radioactivity contained within rocks to find an accurate date for when they were first laid down. This can then be used to date fossils, artefacts and even landscape features accurately. A comparison is made between a radioactive element in a pure state (that is, radioactive and unstable) and the element in its decayed state (that is, having decayed to a non-radioactive and so stable element), or between two different radioactive elements within the rock. Using accurate measuring techniques and careful scientific comparison of data, the results can be calibrated to work out the age of the rock.
The method of obtaining ages of geological materials by measuring the relative abundances of radioactive parent and daughter isotopes in them.
The dating of materials by analyzing the decay of radioactive isotopes incorporated into them when they were formed.
The use of regular atomic radioactive decay as a clock to date fossils. Carbon-14 dating is perhaps the best known form of this technique.
age determination based on nuclear decay of naturally-occurring radioactive isotopes, which are impurities in mineral grains.
Determination of the age in years of a rock or mineral by measuring the proportions of an original radioactive material and its decay product.
Calculating an age in years for geologic materials by measuring the presence of a short-life radioactive element, e.g. carbon-14, or potassium-40/argon-40. The term applies to all methods of age determination based on nuclear decay of naturally occurring radioactive isotopes.
A dating method that uses measurements of certain radioactive isotopes to calculate the ages in years (absolute age) of rocks and minerals. more details...
A variety of methods by which the ages of minerals and rocks can be obtained by studying the ratio between stable (or radioactive) daughter products and their parent elements.- S ~ U
A technique whereby the predictable decay of naturally occurring radioactive elements is used to establish the age of an object. Elements used in radioactive dating include carbon-14, uranium, thorium, rubidium, and others.
RAD-ee-o-MET-rik DAY-ting Using measurements of natural radioactive decay as a clock to date fossils. 393
A method of dating prehistoric works of art made from organic materials, based on the rate of degeneration of radiocarbons in these materials. See also relative dating, absolute dating.
a method of dating artifacts by the use of measurable, unstable isotope elements, which are known over time to to decay at currently known rates into measurable, stable elements; the difference in content of each element within the artifact in question is used as a ratio to estimate an “age” of the artifact; this process, while often portrayed as accurate and reliable, invariably requires multiple unverifiable assumptions in calculating alleged “ages”--making it highly suspect as a reliable dating method; results often vary widely (“useful” dates retained & published, others ignored), confirming the method’s unreliability.
A method of absolute dating using ratios between "parent" isotopes and "daughter" isotopes, which are formed by the radioactive decay of parent isotopes. Radiometric dating also may involve ratios between radioactive isotopes and stable isotopes.
determination of the age of appropriate materials based on radioactive decay of certain isotopes. Common methods used in Quaternary studies include: C14, fission-track, U series, K-Ar, etc.
the determination of age relative to a specific (often calendrical) timescale; also referred to as absolute or chronometric dating
The science of dating geologic events in years by measuring the ratio of parent radioactive atoms to daughter product atoms.
A dating technique that uses the decay rate of radioactive isotopes to estimate the age of an object.
Radiometric dating is a technique used to date materials based on a knowledge of the decay rates of naturally occurring isotopes, and the current abundances. It is our principal source of information about the age of the Earth and a significant source of information about rates of evolutionary change.