Geologists determine the age of a rock formation through various methods, including:
1. Relative dating: This method involves comparing the age of one rock formation to another by looking at the order in which they were formed. This can be done by studying the layers of rock and fossils found within them.
2. Radiometric dating: This method involves measuring the amount of radioactive isotopes present in a rock to determine its age. By measuring the ratio of parent and daughter isotopes, geologists can calculate the age of the rock.
3. Fossil dating: Geologists can also determine the age of a rock formation by studying the fossils found within it. By comparing the fossils to known ages of similar fossils, they can estimate the age of the rock.
4. Paleomagnetism: This method involves studying the orientation of magnetic minerals in a rock formation to determine its age. By comparing the orientation of these minerals to known changes in the Earth's magnetic field, geologists can estimate the age of the rock.
Overall, geologists use a combination of these methods to accurately determine the age of a rock formation.
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