Which method has been recently used to more accurately determine the age of fossils?

Electron Spin Resonance (ESR) has become a prominent method in accurately determining the age of fossils, particularly those that are too old for traditional carbon dating. This technique measures the trapped electrons in materials, such as tooth enamel or sediments, that accumulate over time due to natural radioactive processes. As a result, ESR can provide age estimates for fossils that are tens of thousands to millions of years old.

One of the significant advantages of ESR is that it does not require the sample to contain any carbon, which is especially useful for dating fossils that predate the carbon dating range. Additionally, ESR can be applied to a variety of materials and environmental contexts, making it a versatile tool in paleontology and archaeology.

While other methods like Potassium-Argon Dating and Thermoluminescence Dating also serve important roles in dating geological and archaeological samples, ESR offers specific advantages in terms of its applicability to certain types of fossils and the age range that can be accurately measured.