The relative dating system is based on the assumption that the artifacts found in a particular layer of soil were deposited before the artifacts found in the above layer. This system is not based on the development of tools and technology, but rather, just the stratigraphy i.e. the sequence of layers of sediments or rocks in which the artifacts were found.
* Absolute Dating System:
The absolute dating system, on the other hand, is based on the measurement of the amount of radioactive decay in an artifact or associated material. This system is based on the fact that all radioactive elements decay at a constant rate and that the amount of decay can be used to determine the age of the material.
Some Absolute dating methods include:
- Radiocarbon dating: This method is used to date organic materials up to about 50,000 years old.
- Potassium-argon dating: This method is used to date rocks and minerals up to several billion years old.
- Uranium-lead dating: This method is used to date rocks and minerals up to several billion years old.