Episode 156: Fossils and Dating Methods

About this episode

This episode introduces techniques for studying the history and ages of geological specimens, covering various dating methods and fossilization processes.

An introduction to the techniques used to study the history and ages of geological speciments. We begin with an overview of chronostratigraphy, covering principles of relative dating, way up indicators, and biostratigraphy. We then discuss geochronology, including a review of early attempts to determine the age of the Earth, the principles and assumptions of radiometric dating, and the radioisotopes most commonly used for dating. Finally, we discuss processes and mechanisms of fossilisation, and review some of the most important classes of index fossils. Recommended pre-listening is Episode 74: Minerals and Rocks, and Episode 77: Nuclear Physics. If you enjoyed the podcast please consider supporting the show by making a PayPal donation or becoming a Patreon supporter. https://www.patreon.com/jamesfodor https://www.paypal.me/ScienceofEverything

People in this episode

Host: James Fodor

Topics covered

• fossils
• dating methods
• chronostratigraphy
• geochronology
• fossilization
• index fossils

Keywords

• fossils
• dating methods
• chronostratigraphy
• geochronology
• radiometric dating
• index fossils

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Episode 74: Minerals and Rocks, Episode 77: Nuclear Physics

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