Day 140: Absolute Aging
By Mr. G on Apr 2, 2008 in Geology, Featured
After wrapping up work on determining the relative age of rock layers using the principle of superposition and recreating cross sections of rock layers, students were introduced today to the concept of absolute aging: determining the quantitative age of a rock layer or fossil.
These methods incorporate the principles of radiometric dating: the use of quantitative methods regarding the radioactive decay of such elements as uranium, potassium, and carbon-14. At the end of the hour, students began working on the Absolute Aging problem set - due at the start of tomorrow’s class period.
Homework: Complete the “Absolute Aging Problem Set” prior to the start of class tomorrow.