dating methods

Dating methods are techniques scientists use to determine the age of rocks, fossils, or artifacts. Radiometric dating measures the decay of natural radioactive elements within materials, providing an estimate of age based on known decay rates. Relative dating compares layers of sedimentary rock (strata) to establish a sequence of events without exact dates. Other methods include dendrochronology, which uses tree ring patterns, and thermoluminescence, analyzing trapped electrons in minerals. These techniques help researchers reconstruct Earth's history and understand the timing of biological and geological events.