Relative and Absolute Age Law of Superposition

Relative and Absolute Dating There are two major ways to date geologic events: Relative dating-how old a rock is compared to surrounding rocks Absolute dating-actual number of years since the rock was formed

Relative Dating The various relative dating methods tell you whether a specific rock or layer of rocks is younger or older as compared to surrounding rocks This type of dating does not give an exact age for the rock

The Law of Superposition states that in an undisturbed sequence of sedimentary rock: Each layer is older than the one above Each layer is younger than the one below

Law of Superposition a vertical set of strata (layers) is a chronological record of the geologic history of that strata Youngest layers are on top and oldest on bottom

Law of Superposition

Absolute Dating Absolute dating can give you the exact age of a rock This is accomplished using radioactive dating, which is also referred to as radiometric dating Based on the regular radioactive decay of certain elements