To establish the age of a rock or a fossil, researchers use some type of clock to determine the date it was formed. Geologists commonly use radiometric dating methods, based on the natural radioactive decay of certain elements such as potassium and carbon, as reliable clocks to date ancient events.

What type of fossil dating is most accurate?

Radiocarbon dating One of the most widely used and well-known absolute dating techniques is carbon-14 (or radiocarbon) dating, which is used to date organic remains. This is a radiometric technique, since it is based on radioactive decay.

What is the most accurate method to measure the age of a fossil?

radiometric dating The age of fossils is determined by figuring out the age of the rock in which the fossil is found. The most accurate method is radiometric dating .