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During a volcanic eruption molten material called magma comes out of the volcano, cools and solidifies on the surface of the earth forming basalt - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 18 - 2006 - Paper 1
Question 18
During a volcanic eruption molten material called magma comes out of the volcano, cools and solidifies on the surface of the earth forming basalt. Volcanic ash, also... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:During a volcanic eruption molten material called magma comes out of the volcano, cools and solidifies on the surface of the earth forming basalt - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 18 - 2006 - Paper 1
Step 1
C. radioactive elements within the basalt can be accurately dated.
Answer
The most compelling reason the surrounding basalt can be useful for dating fossils in the strata formed by the ash is due to the presence of radioactive elements. These elements decay at a predictable rate, allowing geologists to determine the age of the basalt and, by extension, the layers of ash and fossils above or below it. This radiometric dating method provides a more precise timeline of the geological events surrounding the eruption.