Radiometric Dating

Early geologists could only determine the relative age of rock layers. They were unable to find the exact dates and ages of things that occurred in the past. Now, the numerical ages of rock and rock formations are determined and calculated through a process called radiometric dating. This process, similar to radiocarbon dating, requires that specimens of the rock be analyzed by high tech laboratory equipment. Scientists, armed with extensive knowledge of chemistry, look for special atoms present in the rock that reveal the precise age of the rock. In this topic, you will investigate the processes of radiometric and radiocarbon dating.

Essential Questions

• What is an isotope?
• What is radiometric age dating, and how does it work?