Radiometric dates applied to sedimentary rocks produce ages that
A) are just as accurate as when the technique is applied to igneous rocks.
B) are too young (postdate sedimentary deposition).
C) are too old (predate sedimentary deposition).
D) represent the time the sediments became lithified.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Radiometric dating of sedimentary rocks typically gives the age of the minerals within those rocks, which often formed long before the sediment was deposited. This means the dates obtained are usually older than the actual age of the sedimentary rock formation itself, as they predate the sedimentary deposition.

Radiometric Dates Applied to Sedimentary Rocks Produce Ages That