Atmospheric Chemistry is the study of the composition of the atmosphere, the sources and fates of gases and particles in air, and changes induced by natural and anthropogenic processes.
Although a relatively new field, it has received growing attention since many of the environmental problems of greatest importance involve trace vapors and aerosols. Radiocarbon enables scientists to determine a distinction between contemporary and fossil carbon, which can be used for the apportionment of biogenic and anthropogenic sources in atmospheric chemistry studies.