Carbon isotopes are variants of carbon atoms with different numbers of neutrons in their nuclei. The two most common isotopes of carbon are carbon-12 and carbon-13, which are stable isotopes, and carbon-14, which is a radioactive isotope. Carbon isotopes can be used in a variety of scientific fields, such as archaeology, geology, and climate science. In archaeology, carbon isotopes are often used in radiocarbon dating to determine the age of organic materials. By measuring the ratio of carbon-14 to carbon-12 in a sample, scientists can estimate how long ago the organism died. In geology, carbon isotopes can be used to track the movement of carbon through Earth's systems, such as the carbon cycle and the formation of rocks and minerals. In climate science, carbon isotopes can provide valuable information about past climate conditions, such as the levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide and the temperature of the Earth. By analyzing carbon isotopes in ice cores, tree rings, and other geological samples, researchers can reconstruct past climates and better understand the processes driving climate change.