Numerical or "Absolute" Dating

of Rock Bodies and Geologic Structures

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Definition of absolute dating

Types of absolute dating

• Tree ring
• Lake Varves
• Isotopic

Isotopic Dating

• Concept of radioactive decay (parent-daughter)
• Rate of Decay- Half Lives
• Common isotopic systems

-Short-lived: Carbon14

-Long-lived: K-Ar, Rb-Sr, U-Pb

Combining absolute and relative ages- bracketing

Some exercises