IMIS | Lifewatch regional portal

You are here

IMIS

[ report an error in this record ]basket (0): add | show Print this page

Oxygenation and organic-matter preservation in marine sediments: Direct experimental evidence from ancient organic carbon-rich deposits
Moodley, L.; Middelburg, J.J.; Herman, P.M.J.; Soetaert, K.; de Lange, G.J. (2005). Oxygenation and organic-matter preservation in marine sediments: Direct experimental evidence from ancient organic carbon-rich deposits. Geology (Boulder Colo.) 33(11): 889-892. http://dx.doi.org/10.1130/G21731.1
In: Geology. Geological Society of America: Boulder. ISSN 0091-7613; e-ISSN 1943-2682, more
Peer reviewed article  

Available in  Authors 

Keyword
    Marine/Coastal
Author keywords
    organic carbon preservation remineralization nitrogen isotopes carbon isotopes sapropel

Authors  Top 
  • Moodley, L., more
  • Middelburg, J.J., more
  • Herman, P.M.J., more
  • Soetaert, K., more
  • de Lange, G.J.

Abstract
    Clarification of the factors involved in the formation of unusual ancient organic carbon– rich deposits (like eastern Mediterranean sapropels) is central in understanding oceanic carbon cycling. The role of oxygenation remains a subject of controversy primarily due to two major uncertainties: (1) it is unknown if ancient organic-rich deposits reflect an accumulation of refractory organic matter (OM) or oxygenation-related aberrant sediment OM recycling, and (2) although marine OM degradation may be slower under anoxic conditions, its ultimate impact on organic carbon (Corg) preservation over geological time remains unclear. Here we provide direct experimental evidence that the Corg in eastern Mediterranean S1 sapropels (deposited >5 ka) is still highly reactive and that a shutdown in labile organic matter degradation under anoxic conditions played a key role in the formation of these deposits.

All data in the Integrated Marine Information System (IMIS) is subject to the VLIZ privacy policy Top | Authors