The process that has yielded the most accurate estimate of the age of Earth is measurement of
A)the rate of sedimentation.
B)the radioactive decay of elements in minerals.
C)rate of increase of salinity of the oceans.
D)the rate of the cooling of Earth from a molten mass.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The most accurate estimate of the age of Earth is based on radioactive decay of elements in minerals. Specifically, the decay of uranium-238 to lead-206 is commonly used to date rocks on Earth. This process is known as radiometric dating and has allowed scientists to estimate the age of Earth to be about 4.54 billion years old. Other methods, such as measuring sedimentation rates or the cooling of Earth from a molten mass, provide important insights into the geologic history of Earth but are not as precise in determining its age. The rate of increase of salinity of the oceans is not directly related to the age of Earth.

The Process That Has Yielded the Most Accurate Estimate of the Age