Oxygenation and organic-matter preservation in marine sediments: Direct experimental evidence from ancient organic carbon–rich deposits

Research Article| November 01, 2005 Oxygenation and organic-matter preservation in marine sediments: Direct experimental evidence from ancient organic carbon–rich deposits Leon Moodley; Leon Moodley 1 Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Korringaweg 7, 4401 NT Yerseke, Netherlands Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Jack J. Middelburg; Jack J. Middelburg 1 Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Korringaweg 7, 4401 NT Yerseke, Netherlands Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Peter M.J. Herman; Peter M.J. Herman 1 Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Korringaweg 7, 4401 NT Yerseke, Netherlands Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Karline Soetaert; Karline Soetaert 1 Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Korringaweg 7, 4401 NT Yerseke, Netherlands Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Gert J. de Lange Gert J. de Lange 2Institute of Earth Sciences, Utrecht University, Budapestlaan 4, 3584 CD Utrecht, Netherlands Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Author and Article Information Leon Moodley 1 Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Korringaweg 7, 4401 NT Yerseke, Netherlands Jack J. Middelburg 1 Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Korringaweg 7, 4401 NT Yerseke, Netherlands Peter M.J. Herman 1 Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Korringaweg 7, 4401 NT Yerseke, Netherlands Karline Soetaert 1 Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Korringaweg 7, 4401 NT Yerseke, Netherlands Gert J. de Lange 2Institute of Earth Sciences, Utrecht University, Budapestlaan 4, 3584 CD Utrecht, Netherlands Publisher: Geological Society of America Received: 12 Apr 2005 Revision Received: 05 Jul 2005 Accepted: 11 Jul 2005 First Online: 02 Mar 2017 Online ISSN: 1943-2682 Print ISSN: 0091-7613 Geological Society of America Geology (2005) 33 (11): 889–892. https://doi.org/10.1130/G21731.1 Article history Received: 12 Apr 2005 Revision Received: 05 Jul 2005 Accepted: 11 Jul 2005 First Online: 02 Mar 2017 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Permissions Search Site Citation Leon Moodley, Jack J. Middelburg, Peter M.J. Herman, Karline Soetaert, Gert J. de Lange; Oxygenation and organic-matter preservation in marine sediments: Direct experimental evidence from ancient organic carbon–rich deposits. Geology 2005;; 33 (11): 889–892. doi: https://doi.org/10.1130/G21731.1 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Refmanager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentBy SocietyGeology Search Advanced Search 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. You do not have access to this content, please speak to your institutional administrator if you feel you should have access.