In which of these does an experimenter want to prevent variation ?

relative dating involves things like higher layers are most recent than rocks lower in the sequence. this can be extended to the known sequence of fossils. rocks containing rabbit fossils are later than those containing dinosaur fossils.  

absolute dating methods mainly use radioactive elements that have known rates of decay and produce recognizable products. for example potassium 40 decays to produce argon. once a rock has solidified the argon is trapped. by measuring the argon and potassium0 you can get an accurate number for the age.  

some other methods are good for archaeological ages. dendrochronology involves recognizing the sequence of tree rings. the orientation of magnetized particles in baked clay can be used to date a fire.

hope this .. .

1. loamy sand is about 80% sand with 10% clay and defined mostly by sand particles with some clay to provide structure and fertility. the sand particles are easily visible and the soil holds structure but breaks apart easily.

2. scott sand can improve his soil quality by incorporating more silt and organic matter into the soil. peat moss and organic matter can also be incorporated.