Radiocarbon dating is a method used in archaeology and geology to determine the age of organic materials based on the decay of the radioactive isotope carbon-14. This technique relies on the fact that carbon-14 is constantly being formed in the atmosphere by cosmic rays, and is incorporated into living organisms. Once an organism dies, it no longer takes in carbon-14, and the isotope starts to decay at a known rate. By measuring the amount of carbon-14 remaining in a sample and comparing it to the known initial concentration, scientists can calculate how long it has been since the organism died. Radiocarbon dating has revolutionized the field of archaeology by providing a reliable method for dating artifacts and remains, as well as helping to establish chronological sequences of human activity.