Hot Carbon: Carbon-14 and a Revolution in Science

Carbon-14 is a radioactive isotope of carbon that has a long half-life and is best known for its application to estimating the age of artifacts. It has helped reveal new chronologies of human civilization and geological time, and has research applications ranging from archeology to oceanography to climatology. John F. Marra's book Hot Carbon tells the untold story of this scientific revolution and how it informs our relationship to the past.

Format: Hardback
Length: 280 pages
Publication date: 25 June 2019
Publisher: Columbia University Press

Carbon-14, a radioactive isotope of carbon, has left its mark on numerous scientific fields. With an exceptionally long half-life, it has gained fame for its application in estimating the age of artifacts through carbon dating. This isotope has unraveled new chronologies of human civilization and geological time, shedding light on our past. Its significance extends to all forms of carbon, the fundamental building block of life. By studying the decay of radioactive carbon, researchers can place everything from archeological artifacts to oceanic ecosystems and climatology on a precise timeline.

In his book "Hot Carbon," John F. Marra delves into the captivating story of this scientific revolution. He skillfully weaves together the intricate workings of various disciplines that employ carbon-14, alongside captivating tales of the pioneers who explored its potential. Marra showcases the practical applications of carbon-14 in studying the diverse aspects of life on Earth, ranging from climate sciences' understanding of historical change to his own research on oceanic photosynthesis involving microscopic phytoplankton. His narrative encompasses nuclear testing, the arrival of humans in the Americas, elephant poaching, and the flax plants used for the linen in the Shroud of Turin. By combining vivid narrative prose with accessible explanations of fundamental science, "Hot Carbon" emerges as a thought-provoking exploration of how carbon-14 shapes our understanding of the past.

Weight: 536g
Dimension: 162 x 237 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780231186704