atom: The basic unit of chemical elements, consisting of a dense nucleus with positively charged protons and uncharged neutrons, orbited by a cloud of negatively charged electrons.
carbon: A chemical element that serves as the foundation of life on Earth. Carbon can exist as graphite or diamond, and is a key component of coal, limestone, and petroleum. It can also combine with itself to form various important molecules. In climate research, carbon is often used interchangeably with carbon dioxide to indicate potential impact on long-term atmospheric warming.
carbon dating: Also known as radiocarbon dating or carbon-14 dating, this method is used to determine the age of organic materials containing carbon. Carbon-14 is a weakly radioactive isotope that forms in Earth’s upper atmosphere when cosmic rays interact with nitrogen atoms. By measuring the ratio of carbon-14 to carbon-12 in remains, scientists can determine the age of the organism.
climate: The typical weather conditions in an area over a long period of time.
climate change: Significant, long-term alterations in Earth’s climate, which can occur naturally or be influenced by human activities such as burning fossil fuels.
attenuation: The process by which a radioactive isotope releases energy and particles over time, eventually transforming into a stable element.
element: The smallest unit of a substance, such as hydrogen, oxygen, carbon, lithium, or uranium.
environment: The surroundings and conditions in which an organism exists, including weather, ecosystem, and temperature.
fabric: A flexible material that can be woven, knitted, or fused into sheets.
fiber: A filamentous material found in plant-based foods that resists digestion.
half life: The time taken for half of a radioactive isotope to decay into a new isotope.
neutron: An elementary particle with no electric charge, forming part of matter in the atom.
nuclear: Relating to the nucleus of an atom, a dense structure containing genetic information.
organic: Referring to substances that contain carbon, or agricultural products grown without synthetic chemicals.
living thing: Any living organism, from animals to plants to bacteria.
radioactive material: Unstable elements emitting energy through radioactive decay.
radiocarbon dating: A method to determine the age of organic materials by measuring the ratio of carbon-14 isotopes.
Rotifer: Small invertebrates belonging to the class Rotifera, often found in freshwater habitats.
shark: Predatory fish with cartilaginous bodies that have existed for millions of years.
suspended animation: A temporary halt in vital functions without resulting in death, seen in various organisms and conditions.
Source: www.snexplores.org
