Environmental Studies

A Dictionary of Ecology A Dictionary of Earth Sciences Further reading

absolute age

A Dictionary of Ecology | 2004 | | Copyright

absolute age(true age) The age of a geologic phenomenon measured in present Earth years, rather than its age relative to other geologic phenomena (compare relative age). The term ‘absolute age’ has been considered rather misleading, as the means for measuring ages (radiometric dating, dendrochronology, varve analysis) are subject to experimental error and the dates obtained are not precise. The alternative term ‘apparent age’ has been suggested, but nowadays it is usual to link a statement of age with the technique used to determine it, to distinguish that age from an age in calendar or solar years (e.g. to state an age in ‘radiocarbon years’). See also dating methods.

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MICHAEL ALLABY. "absolute age." A Dictionary of Ecology. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. 1 Jun. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

MICHAEL ALLABY. "absolute age." A Dictionary of Ecology. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. (June 1, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O14-absoluteage.html

MICHAEL ALLABY. "absolute age." A Dictionary of Ecology. 2004. Retrieved June 01, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O14-absoluteage.html

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absolute age

A Dictionary of Earth Sciences | 1999 | | Copyright

absolute age (true age) The age of a geologic phenomenon measured in present Earth years, rather than its age relative to other geologic phenomena (compare RELATIVE AGE). The term ‘absolute age’ has been considered rather misleading, as the means for measuring ages (radiometric dating, dendrochronology, varve analysis) are subject to experimental error and the dates obtained are not precise. The alternative term ‘apparent age’ has been suggested. See also DATING METHODS; and GEOCHRONOLOGY.

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AILSA ALLABY and MICHAEL ALLABY. "absolute age." A Dictionary of Earth Sciences. 1999. Encyclopedia.com. 1 Jun. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

AILSA ALLABY and MICHAEL ALLABY. "absolute age." A Dictionary of Earth Sciences. 1999. Encyclopedia.com. (June 1, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O13-absoluteage.html

AILSA ALLABY and MICHAEL ALLABY. "absolute age." A Dictionary of Earth Sciences. 1999. Retrieved June 01, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O13-absoluteage.html

Learn more about citation styles

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