Final answer:
Absolute dating, including methods such as crater counts and erosion rates, provides the exact age of geologic features that lack significant impact craters, indicating recent formation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Absolute dating is the only method that allows scientists to assign an exact age to a geologic feature. In particular, erosion rates can sometimes be used to determine the absolute age of erosional features where no significant superimposed impact craters are present, implying a more recent formation.
Crater counts can also serve as an absolute dating technique on celestial bodies like the Moon, where erosion is minimal. The number of craters can indicate the time elapsed since the last significant surface disturbance, helping scientists to date the surface more precisely.