Abstract
Molecular and stable carbon isotopic compositions were obtained for the organic matter (OM) in sediment trap samples from the Japan Trench at 4500 and 8500–8800 m in depth. The analytical results show that OM in sinking particles are composed of both freshly-deposited and resuspended OM. The relative abundance of resuspended OM in the total OM in shallower sediment trap samples is generally lower than that in deeper trap samples. However, no marked differences both in py-GCMS characteristics and stable carbon isotopic compositions of TOC and biomarkers (n-alkanes, fatty acids) are recognized. All sinking particles examined indicate that the major source of OM is plankton-derived. Terrestrial OM contribution is minor.
Molecular and carbon isotopic analyses of individual lipid compounds in sinking particles revealed that they are a mixture of compounds derived from algae, bacteria and terrestrial higher plants. The analytical data show the usefulness of the biomarker and carbon isotopic analytical approach to draw a picture of biogeochemical processes of the carbon cycle in the ocean.
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Ishiwatari, R., Yamada, K., Matsumoto, K., Naraoka, H., Yamamoto, S., Handa, N. (2000). Source of Organic Matter in Sinking Particles in the Japan Trench: Molecular Composition and Carbon Isotopic Analyses. In: Handa, N., Tanoue, E., Hama, T. (eds) Dynamics and Characterization of Marine Organic Matter. Ocean Sciences Research (OSR), vol 2. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-017-1319-1_7
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-017-1319-1_7
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