To establish the age of a rock or a fossil, researchers use some type of clock to determine the date it was formed. Geologists commonly use radiometric dating methods, based on the natural radioactive decay of certain elements such as potassium and carbon, as reliable clocks to date ancient events.

What is the best way to determine the relative age of rock layers absolute age?

Relative age is the age of a rock layer (or the fossils it contains) compared to other layers. It can be determined by looking at the position of rock layers. Absolute age is the numeric age of a layer of rocks or fossils. Absolute age can be determined by using radiometric dating.

How do you determine the relative age of a layer?

First and foremost, they use the law of superposition to determine the relative ages of sedimentary rock layers. According to the law of superposition, in horizontal sedimentary rock layers the oldest is at the bottom. Each higher layer is younger than the layer below it.

What is the most accurate way to determine the age of a rock?

Stratigraphy is the study of the order of the layers of rocks and where they fit in the geological timescale. This method is most effective for studying sedimentary rocks. Cross dating is a method of using fossils to determine the relative age of a rock.

What would be a common way to determine the relative ages of the rock layers in the canyon?

The study of rock layers is called stratigraphy. Laws of stratigraphy help scientists determine the relative ages of rocks. The main law is the law of superposition. They occur where older rock layers eroded away completely before new rock layers were deposited.