Two basic types of dating are possible: absolute and relative. Absolute age dating determines the calendar time at which a rock, surface, or feature formed; relative age dating determines the order-but not the time-of formation.

How can planetary surfaces be dated?

The ages of the surfaces of objects in the solar system can be estimated by counting craters: on a given world, a more heavily cratered region will generally be older than one that is less cratered. In this way, we have estimated the age of the Moon and Earth to be roughly 4.5 billion years.

What are the two basic techniques for determining the age of a planetary surface?

We have discussed two basic techniques for determining the age of a planetary surface: studying the abundance of impact craters and radiometric dating of surface rocks.

Which of the following methods can be used to determine the age of a planet?

The best estimate for Earths age is based on radiometric dating of fragments from the Canyon Diablo iron meteorite. From the fragments, scientists calculated the relative abundances of elements that formed as radioactive uranium decayed over billions of years.

What are some processes that shape planetary surfaces?

Explanation: The four common Planet Surface Processes are: Cratering, Volcanoes, Erosion, and Weathering (chemical and physical).

How do you determine the age of a crater?

There are tens of thousands of craters on the moon and the only way to see if the bombardment rate has changed is to have an age for every single crater. Traditionally, dating craters is done by recording the number and size of superimposed craters on the ejecta — the material displaced by impact — of each crater.

What are planetary processes?

In planetary science, planetary differentiation is the process of separating out different constituents of a planetary body as a consequence of their physical or chemical behavior, where the body develops into compositionally distinct layers; the denser materials of a planet sink to the center, while less dense

Which part of Mars is older?

Based on the presence of the largest impact structures, the highest crater densities and the impact history of the inner Solar System, the southern highlands of Mars represent the oldest crust. They are believed to have formed prior to 3.8 billion years ago.

What are earths layers?

The structure of the earth is divided into four major components: the crust, the mantle, the outer core, and the inner core. Each layer has a unique chemical composition, physical state, and can impact life on Earths surface.

What are four types of processes that shape planetary surfaces?

What processes shape Earths surface? The four major geological processes are impact cratering, volcanism, tectonics, and erosion.

What are 4 geological processes and where do they occur?

The four major geological processes are impact cratering, volcanism, tectonics, and erosion. Earth has experienced many impacts, but most craters have been erased by other processes. We owe the existence of our atmosphere and oceans to volcanic outgassing.