Numerical Dating

Numerical dating is a method scientists use to determine the exact age of rocks, fossils, or artifacts. It relies on measuring the decay of naturally occurring radioactive isotopes within samples. These isotopes decay at a constant rate, so by analyzing the amount remaining, scientists can calculate how long ago the material formed. This technique provides specific ages in years, helping to construct the timeline of Earth's history and the evolution of life. Numerical dating complements other methods, like relative dating, to give a more precise understanding of when events occurred.