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Organic carbon dynamics in shelf edge sediments off the hebrides: A seasonal perspective
Author(s) -
Mitchell Lynda,
Harvey S. Martyn,
Gage John D.,
Fallick Anthony E.
Publication year - 1997
Publication title -
internationale revue der gesamten hydrobiologie und hydrographie
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.524
H-Index - 52
eISSN - 1522-2632
pISSN - 0020-9309
DOI - 10.1002/iroh.19970820313
Subject(s) - total organic carbon , detritus , benthic zone , sediment , oceanography , carbon fibers , transect , isotopes of carbon , water column , seasonality , environmental science , geology , environmental chemistry , chemistry , geomorphology , ecology , paleontology , materials science , composite number , composite material , biology
A benthic transect across the Hebridean Shelf Edge was sampled 9 times during 1995–96. Sediment samples from within the surface mixed layer were analysed for organic and inorganic carbon content, porosity, grain size and stable carbon isotope ratio. The organic carbon content is always <1% dry weight. Inorganic carbon content is 17–65% CaCO 3 . There is no significant seasonal variation in organic or inorganic carbon contents despite changing productivity in the water column. However, there is an inverse relationship between organic carbon content and median grain size. The isotopic composition shows strong seasonal variation which reflects the increase in phytoplankton detritus at the sediment‐water interface during spring/summer. The results suggest a small but rapid burial flux. However, the study area is not a significant depocentre for organic carbon.