Basaltic clasts within a conglomerate have been radiometrically dated to 50 million years ago. Is this a reliable age for the conglomerate? A. Yes. B. No, this age is likely too old. C. No, this age is likely too young. D. No, basalt never contains minerals bearing radioactive isotopes

Question

Pedro

Geography

15 September, 14:08

Basaltic clasts within a conglomerate have been radiometrically dated to 50 million years ago. Is this a reliable age for the conglomerate? A. Yes. B. No, this age is likely too old. C. No, this age is likely too young. D. No, basalt never contains minerals bearing radioactive isotopes

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Answers (1)

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Bridget · Answer 1

Answer: B. No, this age is likely too old.

Explanation:

A conglomerate is a type of sedimentary rock made up of big clasts and finer particles such as quartz holding the bigger pieces together. Because it is a sedimentary rock, it contains fragments of older rocks that have broken off from their parent rocks and have been washed into the location of the conglomerate.

When using radiometric dating, it is important to realize that the rocks that make up a clastic sedimentary rock will be older than the rock itself. This is likely what happened here.