Question: If you assume that the global amount of radiocarbon (formed by cosmic-ray bombardment of atoms in the upper atmosphere and then dissolved in rain and seawater) is constant, then decaying carbon-14 is continuously replaced in organisms while they are alive. However, when an organism dies, the amount of its carbon-14 decreases as it decays to nitrogen-14. 1. The carbon in a buried peat bed has about 6% of the carbon-14 of modern shells. What is the age of the peat bed? Explain. 2. In sampling the peat bed, you must be careful to avoid any young plant roots or old limestone. Why? Need Assignment Help?