Suess Effect

The Suess Effect refers to the reduction of the atmospheric concentration of carbon-14 and certain isotopes of carbon-13 caused by the large-scale burning of fossil fuels. Since fossil fuels are millions of years old, they contain little to no these isotopes, so when they are burned, they dilute the natural atmospheric levels. This change in isotope ratios helps scientists track human influence on climate and understand the age of different carbon sources. Essentially, the Suess Effect highlights how human activities have altered the Earth's natural carbon isotope balance.