The age of a geologic phenomenon measured in present Earth years, rather than its age relative to other geologic phenomena (compare relative age).

What is meant by absolute age?

Absolute age is the numeric age of a layer of rocks or fossils. Absolute age can be determined by using radiometric dating. The age of the fossil will be an age range between the ages of the two volcanic layers.

What is an example of an absolute age?

Absolute age dates have confirmed the basic principles of relative time—for example, a uranium‐lead date from a dike that intrudes into an older rock always yields an absolute age date that is younger than the absolute age date of the enclosing rock.