What is the primary purpose of radiometric dating in geology?

The primary purpose of radiometric dating in geology is to determine the absolute age of rocks and fossils. This method relies on the decay of radioactive isotopes within minerals found in the rocks, allowing geologists to quantify how long it has been since those rocks were formed or last altered. By measuring the amount of parent isotopes and their stable daughter products, scientists can calculate the time that has passed since the rock or fossil was created.

This technique is particularly valuable because it provides a numerical age, in contrast to relative dating methods, which only arrange events in sequence without giving specific time frames. Understanding the absolute age of rocks and fossils is crucial for constructing geological timelines and for correlating different strata from various locations. It also enhances our understanding of geological processes and the history of life on Earth.