Question:

A geologist wants to determine both the sequence of events and the exact age of rock layers. Which combination of methods should be used?

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Remember: \[ \boxed{ \begin{aligned} \text{Relative Dating} &\rightarrow \text{Sequence of events} \text{Radiometric Dating} &\rightarrow \text{Numerical age} \end{aligned} } \]
Updated On: Jul 24, 2026
  • Only relative dating
  • Only radiometric dating
  • Fossil identification only
  • Relative dating + radiometric dating
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Concept: Geologists use two complementary methods to study the age of rocks:
• Relative dating determines the sequence of geological events.
• Radiometric dating determines the absolute (numerical) age of rocks.

Step 1:
Understand relative dating. Relative dating establishes which rock layer is older or younger using principles such as superposition and cross-cutting relationships.

Step 2:
Understand radiometric dating. Radiometric dating uses radioactive decay of isotopes to determine the actual age of rocks in years. Thus, \[ \boxed{\text{Relative dating + Radiometric dating}} \] provides both the sequence of events and the exact age. Therefore, the correct option is \[ \boxed{(D).} \]
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