What type of technology detects or measures the rate of decay of atoms in volcanic rock?
1 answer
The technology used to detect or measure the rate of decay of atoms in volcanic rock is called radiometric dating. More specifically, radiometric dating techniques such as radiocarbon dating, potassium-argon dating, or uranium-lead dating are commonly used in geological research to determine the age of rocks and minerals, including volcanic rocks. These techniques rely on the measurement of the rate of decay of certain isotopes present in the volcanic rock, which allows scientists to estimate the time that has elapsed since the rock formed.