Relative dating puts geologic events in chronological order without requiring that a specific numerical age be assigned to each event. Second, it is possible to determine the numerical age for fossils or earth materials. Third, magnetism in rocks can be used to estimate the age of a fossil site.

How do relative dating methods work?

Relative dating methods estimate whether an object is younger or older than other things found at the site. Relative dating does not offer specific dates, it simply allows to determine if one artifact, fossil, or stratigraphic layer is older than another.

Which geologic principle is used in relative age dating?

The principle of superposition The principle of superposition is simple, intuitive, and is the basis for relative age dating. It states that rocks positioned below other rocks are older than the rocks above.

What is the difference between relative and radioactive dating?

In brief, relative dating is the method of determining the relative age of a fossil. In contrast, radioactive dating is the method of determining the absolute age of a fossil.