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Q: What is a way to determine the actual age of fossils?
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To determine the absolute age of rocks and fossils geologists use?

They would look for evidence of index fossils, those of certain rapidly evolving creatures that lived during a specific time period. This method is called relative dating. For a closer estimation they would be able to date the rock using radiometric techniques that base its age on the degree of isotope decay . This method would reveal the much more specific absolute age.


What is a Method in which a scientist could use fossils to determine the age of the soil in which the fossils were found?

There are several ways of identifying the age of fossils.Stratigraphic MethodLiterally counting the layers or strata of the rock. If you can determine the age of one layer then on most occasions you can count the number of layers down.Also connected with stratification is Magnetic Stratigraphy. It is thought that Earths magnetic field reverses every 300,000 years (although it is estimated this last happened 780,000 years ago). When certain sedimentary and volcanic layers are laid down elements in the rock align with Earths magnetic field. As you go down the layers of rock you can measure which way the elements are aligned and thus determine the age.Radiometric MethodCertain radioactive elements can be used to date fossils. Volcanic rock has no lead when it is laid down. However it does contain Uranium. If you compare the ration between U-235 and Pb-207 accurate dates can be determined. Also important is potassium and argon. Ratio's between K-40 and Ar-40 can determine the age of the fossil.If the fossil is very young (less than 60,000 years) Carbon 14 can also be used. So called carbon dating.Index MethodCertain animals and plants were wide spread on earth. We also through other methods have determined accurate dates for these index fossils. If you find an index fossil in the same layer as a fossil you can tell the age.


Is mummification a way for a trace fossil to be created?

No, a trace fossil is a fossil of biological activity. Therefore, it cannot be mummified, because it is not of an actual organism. Examples of trace fossils include: footprints, burrows, etc.


Can petrified fossils form when the minerals in water make a copy of the organism?

Yes petrified fossils can form that way :)


When were the fossils first found?

It is estimated that the very first fossils were found 3 billions years ago. There is really no way to know if the dates were not recorded.

Related questions

How do you tell which fossils are older?

Fossils found in deeper rock layers are typically older than those found in shallower layers. Scientists also use methods like radiometric dating to determine the age of fossils based on the decay of radioactive isotopes present in the fossils. Additionally, studying the index fossils that are typically associated with specific time periods can help determine the relative age of fossils.


Can you tell age from a blood sample?

Yes. In a similar way that scientists can use carbon dating to determine the age of fossils, a new method allows an individuals age to be determined from their blood. X-ray florescent spectroscopy allows the bloods plasma to be analyzed with enough precision to determine age within the year.


Which type of rock may contain fossil?

fossils almost allways occur in sedementary rock. this is the only way to get fossils without burning or cruching the fossil. you sometimes get fossils in igneous rock, but this is very rare. igneous rock fossils do not have any actual "fossils" in them, they are just impressions.


How can know rat's age?

There is no reliable way to know for sure the actual age.


One way to determine the age of a glacier is to measure its?

nascar


What radioactive technique is used to determine the age of fossils?

What radioactive technique is used to determine the age of fossils? The radioactive technique of radiometric dating is used to determine the age of fossils. This is a way to measure the proportions of a daughter isotope and the parent radioisotope of some element trapped inside a rock since the time the rock formed. A radioisotope is a form of an element with an unstable nucleus. Radioactive atoms decay, or lose energy and subatomic particles until they reach a more stable form. It is not possible to predict the exact instant of one atom's decay, but a predictable number of an isotope's atoms will decay over a period of time. Like the ticking of a perfect clock, the characteristic rate of decay for each isotope is constant. In other words, changes in pressure, temperature, or chemical state do not alter it. Radiometric dating doesn't work for sedimentary rock. It works for volcanic rock or ashes, which hold the most fossils. The ratio of carbon 14 to carbon 12 is used to date recent fossils that still contain some carbon. The only way to date older fossils is to determine their position relative to any volcanic rocks in the same area. This dating method has an error factor of less than 10 percent.


To determine the absolute age of rocks and fossils geologists use?

They would look for evidence of index fossils, those of certain rapidly evolving creatures that lived during a specific time period. This method is called relative dating. For a closer estimation they would be able to date the rock using radiometric techniques that base its age on the degree of isotope decay . This method would reveal the much more specific absolute age.


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

Testing the half life


How do you determine the age of a person on the other end of the phone?

simplest way is to ask them


What is the technique in which natural laws govern the way geologists determine the age of rock deposits?

Relative Dating is the technique used to determine the age of rock deposits by natural forces.


What would be the most effective way for a scientist to get an idea of the actual age of a rock?

i have no idea


The way fossils are formed in very dry places is called what?

Fossils can be formed by:MummificationPetrificationDesiccationRelated question on Answers.com:How are fossils formed?