Question

Name and describe briefly the 2 different types of dating methods utilized in the geology related sciences with examples?

Answer 1

Dating techniques are the methods used by the geologists to determine the age of an object or series of events. It can be an age of a fossil found or even the rocks.

Some of the dating methods are :

1. Relative dating :

This method was employed until the 20 th century when the absolute dating method was found. It is used to determine if one sample is relatively older or younger compared to the other. Example : Stratigraphy is used to study the layers of the rocks . It is based on the principle that the rocks which are deposited on the deeper parts of the earth are embedded first followed by the successive layers. Similarly, the fossils or the pollen which gets embedded with the rocks too are analyzed for their age and type of plant with their relative age.

2 . Absolute dating :

This absolute dating method is done in the laboratory. The most common and widely accepted method of absolute dating is -

Radioactive decay dating :

Radioactive dating method employs using a radio active form of an element which is converted into non radioactive element at regular rate. Based on the amount of the original and transformed atoms of an object, the geologists determine the age of the object as the element decay at it's own rate unaffected by other physical conditions. Example: age of the remains of the planet, plants age, age of animals can be determined by this radioactive decaying technique.

Thank you.