Relative 

dating is the process of determining if one rock or geologic event is older or younger
than another, without knowing their specific ages --
i.e., how many years ago, the object was formed. Relative age is the age of a rock layer (or the
fossils it contains) concerning other rock layers. One example of this is a xenolith, a fragment of
country rock that fell into passing magma due to stoping. Another example is the Grand Canyon
of Arizona, which illustrates the stratigraphic principles. It shows layers of rock on top of one
another in order, from the oldest at the bottom to the youngest at the top, based on the principle
of superposition.

Absolute dating is the process of determining an age on a specified chronology in archaeology

and geology. Absolute age is the numeric age of a layer of rocks or fossils. Absolute dating can
be achieved by using historical records and the analysis of biological and geological patterns
resulting from annual climatic variations, such as tree rings (dendrochronology) and varve
analysis. It can also be determined by using radiometric dating. For example, the decay of
potassium-40 to argon-40 is used to date rocks older than 20,000 years, and the decay of
uranium-238 to lead-206 is used for rocks older than 1 million years.

Relative and absolute dating is essential in order to discover how much time has passed and
know the chronology of geological creations and events. It helps to determine and arrange
geological events that had happened in the past billion years ago. In that way, it helps
us understand and grapple with complex questions and dilemmas by examining how the past
has shaped (and continues to shape). Furthermore, it enables us to understand better the world in
which we live from the knowledge it gives and enables us to develop a much greater appreciation
for current events today.