Open AccessRadiocarbon constraint on relict organic carbon contributions to Ross Sea sediments
Author(s) -
Ohkouchi Naohiko,
Eglinton Timothy I.
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
geochemistry, geophysics, geosystems
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.928
H-Index - 136
ISSN - 1525-2027
DOI - 10.1029/2005gc001097
Subject(s) - radiocarbon dating , geology , total organic carbon , organic matter , oceanography , carbon fibers , earth science , paleontology , environmental chemistry , ecology , chemistry , materials science , composite number , composite material , biology
We estimate the relative contribution of relict organic matter to the acid‐insoluble organic carbon (AIOC) fraction of surface sediments from Ross Sea, Antarctica, on the basis of 14 C abundance. The bulk isotopic characteristics of AIOC can largely be explained by simple two‐source models of modern and relict organic carbon, when samples are grouped according to two geographical regions, namely, southwestern and south central Ross Sea. This spatial variability in relict organic carbon could be controlled by proximity to the edge of the Ross Ice Shelf and ice drainage areas. Radiocarbon abundance in the AIOC is potentially an excellent tool to estimate the contribution of relict organic carbon in the Antarctic margin sediments.