Which of the following statements is most accurate about dating a fossil encased in a stratum of sedimentary rock without any strata of volcanic rock (for example, lava or ash) nearby?
A) The absolute age of the fossil will be easy to determine because the radioisotopes in the sediments will not have been "reset" by the heat of the igneous rocks.
B) The absolute age of the fossil will be easy to determine because the igneous rocks will not have physically obstructed the deposition of sediment of a single age next to the fossil.
C) The absolute age of the fossil will be difficult to determine because the "marker fossils" common to igneous rock will be absent.
D) The absolute age of the fossil will be difficult to determine because radiometric dating of sedimentary rock is less accurate than that of igneous rock.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Sedimentary rocks are formed from the accumulation of sediments, which can come from various sources and times, making it difficult to date them precisely using radiometric dating. This method is more accurate with igneous rocks, which can be dated by the time of their crystallization.

Which of the Following Statements Is Most Accurate About Dating