Geologists use radiometric dating to estimate how long ago rocks formed, and to infer the ages of fossils contained within those rocks. When molten rock cools, forming what are called igneous rocks, radioactive atoms are trapped inside. Afterwards, they decay at a predictable rate.

What is radiometric dating in Archaeology?

Radiometric dating is a method of dating based on the rate of decay of radioactive isotopes present in all organic materials. The radiometric dating technique used most widely in archaeology is radiocarbon, or C-14, dating. The technique is useful for dating items up to about 50,000 years old.

What does radiometric dating do?

To determine the ages in years of Earth materials and the timing of geologic events such as exhumation and subduction, geologists utilize the process of radiometric decay. Geologists use these dates to further define the boundaries of the geologic periods shown on the geologic time scale.

What type of fossil dating is the most accurate?

Radiocarbon dating One of the most widely used and well-known absolute dating techniques is carbon-14 (or radiocarbon) dating, which is used to date organic remains. This is a radiometric technique, since it is based on radioactive decay.