Which of the following is not an absolute dating method ?

This question was previously asked in
MH SET Paper-II: History 27th December 2020
View all MH SET Papers >
  1. Palaeomagnetic method
  2. C-14 dating method
  3. Thermoluminescence method
  4. Stratigraphy

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 4 : Stratigraphy
Free
MH SET Paper 1: Held on 26th Sep 2021
1 K Users
50 Questions 100 Marks 60 Mins

Detailed Solution

Download Solution PDF

The correct answer is - Stratigraphy

Key Points

  • Stratigraphy
    • It is a relative dating method, not an absolute dating method.
    • Stratigraphy involves studying the layers of sediment or rock to determine the sequence of events over time.
    • This method relies on the principle of superposition, where older layers are found below younger layers.
    • Unlike absolute methods, it does not provide a specific numerical age but rather a relative age.
  • Absolute dating methods
    • Methods such as C-14 dating, palaeomagnetic dating, and thermoluminescence are used to determine the exact age of an object or layer.
    • These methods are based on specific physical, chemical, or radioactive properties.

Additional Information

  • Carbon-14 Dating
    • An absolute dating method used for dating organic materials such as wood, bones, and shells.
    • It is based on the radioactive decay of carbon-14 isotope, which has a half-life of approximately 5,730 years.
    • Effective for dating materials up to about 50,000 years old.
  • Palaeomagnetic Dating
    • An absolute dating method that studies the Earth's magnetic field recorded in rocks and sediments.
    • It helps in dating geological events by analyzing changes in the magnetic poles over time.
  • Thermoluminescence
    • An absolute dating method used to date ceramics, minerals, and sediments by measuring the trapped electrons released as light when heated.
    • It is effective for objects dating back to 300,000 years or older.
Latest MH SET Updates

Last updated on Jun 26, 2025

-> Maharashtra SET 2025 Answer Key has been released. Objections will be accepted online by 2nd July 2025.

-> Savitribai Phule Pune University, the State Agency will conduct ed the 40th SET examination on Sunday, 15th June, 2025. 

-> Candidates having a master's degree from a UGC-recognized university are eligible to apply for the exam.

-> The candidates are selected based on the marks acquired in the written examination, comprising two papers.

-> The serious aspirant can go through the MH SET Eligibility Criteria in detail. Candidates must practice questions from the MH SET previous year papers and MH SET mock tests.

More Prehistoric period Questions

Get Free Access Now
Hot Links: teen patti yes teen patti winner teen patti cash game teen patti master 2023 teen patti star