The sharp decrease in atmospheric ¹⁴C in the past decade is directly related to

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The sharp decrease in atmospheric ¹⁴C in the past decade is directly related to the increase in fossil fuel use. Fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and gas, contain no ¹⁴C because they are millions of years old. When burned, carbon from these fuels enters the atmosphere and dilutes the amount of ¹⁴C in the atmosphere. This is known as the "fossil fuel effect," and it is the primary reason for the observed decrease in atmospheric ¹⁴C levels in recent decades.

The Sharp Decrease in Atmospheric ¹⁴C in the Past Decade