This age is a comparison between multiple rocks. It is not an exact number.
"This rock is older than that rock."

​​Relative Age

​This age is a numerical date found using a process called radiometric dating.

"This rock is 38 million years old."

Absolute Age

Relative Dating

• Relative Dating is when you give the age of a rock or fossil compared to another rock or fossil.

  • An actual age in years is NOT determined.
    

  • Example: Rock A is older than Rock B.

  • Real-world Example: Mr. Prior is older than Ms. Bass.

When rock layers are deposited, younger layers form on top of older layers.

1. Law of Superposition

​Rock layers are deposited horizontally. If they are tilted, folded, or broken - those happened later.

2. Law of Original Horizontality

​But What Are the Rules?

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​If an intrusion or a fault cuts through existing rocks, the intrusion/fault must be YOUNGER than the rock it cuts through.

Think About it: Can you cut a cake before the cake is made?

3. Law of Cross-Cutting Relationships

Rock layers in different places can be correlated, or matched up, by matching the rocks and fossils in the layers.

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4. Correlation