The volcanic material in tuff is well-suited for radiometric dating, which uses known decay rates for specific unstable isotopes to determine the age of the rock that contains that isotope. Feldspar crystals found in the tuff layers contain an unstable isotope of potassium that can be used for this dating method.

How old are the youngest volcanic rocks on Earth?

Eruptions as recently as about 50,000 years ago produced Koko Crater, one of the youngest of the features known as the Honolulu Volcanics. Diamond Head, another of the Honolulu Volcanics, is about 0.4-0.5 million years old. On Kaua`i, the main volcanic episode ended about 4 million years ago.

What is the youngest volcano?

Parícutin ParícutinAge of rock1941–1952Mountain typeCinder coneVolcanic arc/beltTrans-Mexican Volcanic BeltLast eruption1943 to 195213 more rows