Definition
In geochronology, the absolute age of a rock is the age obtained from the measurement of spontaneous decay of radioactive nuclides contained in the rocks or its constituent minerals. It differs from the relative age. This latter is the age of a rock obtained from time and space relations between rock formations, giving only qualitative or semiquantitative information on the period when the rock formed.
See Also
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2015 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg
About this entry
Cite this entry
Pinti, D.L. (2015). Absolute and Relative Ages. In: Gargaud, M., et al. Encyclopedia of Astrobiology. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-44185-5_5155
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-44185-5_5155
Published:
Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg
Print ISBN: 978-3-662-44184-8
Online ISBN: 978-3-662-44185-5
eBook Packages: Physics and AstronomyReference Module Physical and Materials ScienceReference Module Chemistry, Materials and Physics