5
QuizMultiple Choice

Geologic Time: Early Earth — Quiz

Question 5 • Earth and Space Science

Which method allows scientists to determine the age of events like early crust formation and the Great Oxygenation Event?

Answer
A
counting sediment layers in canyons
B
analyzing ice core data
C
observing current volcanic eruptions
D
radiometric dating ancient rocks

Explanation

Radiometric dating uses the predictable decay of radioactive isotopes in ancient rocks to estimate when those rocks formed. This helps scientists date early crust formation and geological events such as the Great Oxygenation Event. Observing present-day eruptions cannot directly establish those ancient ages.

AI-written and checked against the verified answer.

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