Read this tip to make your life smarter, better, faster and wiser. LifeTips is the place to go when you need to know about Geologic Time and other Natural Science topics.

What is relative dating?

Relative Dating

Relative age dating is how geologists determine when an event occurred (such as deposition of a rock layer, or appearance of a fault) in relation to other events - without necessarily having an actual age in years.

Here's an example of relative dating: if you have two siblings, you can describe them as older than you or younger than you, without actually giving their ages. That's relative dating.

Comments

5/26/2007 4:50:45 PM
Shelly said:

This is soooooo interesting, thanks for the tip

Ask a Question

Not finding the advice and tips you need on this Natural Science Tip Site? Request a Tip Now!

Guru Spotlight

Susan Sayour

Ever wonder how you could make your life better and more fun? So have tens of millions of fans who have turned to LifeTips for answers over the past decade. We keep the tips, advice, books, podcasts and writing services flowing, so you can keep your life and business growing in the right direction. Upward!