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Deconvolving the Fate of Carbon in Coastal Sediments
Author(s) -
Van der Voort Tessa S.,
Mannu Utsav,
Blattmann Thomas M.,
Bao Rui,
Zhao Meixun,
Eglinton Timothy I.
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
geophysical research letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.007
H-Index - 273
eISSN - 1944-8007
pISSN - 0094-8276
DOI - 10.1029/2018gl077009
Subject(s) - total organic carbon , carbon cycle , sedimentary depositional environment , carbon fibers , provenance , deposition (geology) , geology , environmental science , range (aeronautics) , sediment , earth science , oceanography , paleontology , environmental chemistry , structural basin , ecology , ecosystem , chemistry , materials science , composite number , composite material , biology
Coastal oceans play a crucial role in the global carbon cycle, and are increasingly affected by anthropogenic forcing. Understanding carbon cycling in coastal environments is hindered by convoluted sources and myriad processes that vary over a range of spatial and temporal scales. In this study, we deconvolve the complex mosaic of organic carbon manifested in Chinese Marginal Sea (CMS) sediments using a novel numerical clustering algorithm based on 14 C and total OC content. Results reveal five regions that encompass geographically distinct depositional settings. Complementary statistical analyses reveal contrasting region‐dependent controls on carbon dynamics and composition. Overall, clustering is shown to be highly effective in demarcating areas of distinct organic facies by disentangling intertwined organic geochemical patterns resulting from superimposed effects of OC provenance, reworking and deposition on a shelf region exhibiting pronounced spatial heterogeneity. This information will aid in constraining region‐specific budgets of carbon burial and carbon cycle processes.