Radiometric dating methods

Dating methods provide essential information for understanding the origins of phenomena as varied as the evolution of prehistoric settlements, the origin of the solar system, the genesis of mineral deposits, continental drift and volcanic eruptions. They can be applied to geological objects, fossils and archaeological artefacts.

The general principle of radiometric dating methods is based on the existence of radioactive isotopes, most often naturally occurring, whose decay can be tracked over time. To do this, it is necessary to establish an instant zero corresponding to the event being dated. The sheer number of methods used, some of which have been developed for very specific applications, makes it impossible to cover all of them. We therefore refer the reader to more specialized works.

Ideally, to date an object, you need to achieve the best possible accuracy using the least amount of material possible. Before describing the most widely used methods, we would like the reader to understand the criteria for choosing a method and its limitations (analytical and geological uncertainties), so that they can be used wisely. Our aim is to present dating methods from a relatively practical angle, without forgetting the rigor required for their use, so as not to overstep their intrinsic resolution.