Section Objectives
After you have completed this section, you will be able to:
- Define absolute dating and describe how it is used and how it is different from relative dating.
- Discuss concepts of isotopes, half-life, and radioactive decay.
- Describe specific methods of radiometric dating.
- Discuss the use of other methods of radiometric dating, such as tree rings and sediment layers.
- Apply knowledge of radiometric decay and other methods of absolute dating to assess the age of Earth materials.
