Assume that the global amount of radio-carbon (C14 formed by cosmic-ray bombardment in the upper atmosphere and then dissolved in rain and seawater) is constant. Then during their lives, all organisms constantly replace C14 by respiration and drinking water. However, when the organism dies, the amount of C14 in the organism decreases as it decays to N14.
a) The carbon in the buried peat bed has about 3.5% of the C14 of modern sea shells. What is the age of the peat bed? Refer to the graph and Table 8.1 (Attached). Explain answers.
b) In sampling the peat bed, you must be careful to avoid any young plant roots of other material that might contain radio-carbon. Why?