Molecular and isotopic constraints on the sources of suspended particulate organic carbon on the northwestern Atlantic margin

TitleMolecular and isotopic constraints on the sources of suspended particulate organic carbon on the northwestern Atlantic margin
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2009
AuthorsHwang, J, Montlucon, D, Eglinton, TI
JournalDeep-Sea Research Part I-Oceanographic Research Papers
Volume56
Issue8
Pagination1284-1297
ISSN0967-0637
Abstract

The abundance, carbon isotopic composition (Delta C-14 and delta C-13), and lipid biomarker (alkenones and saturated fatty acids) distributions of suspended particulate organic matter were investigated at three stations centered on the 2000, 3000, and 3500 m isobaths over the New England slope in order to assess particulate carbon sources and dynamics in this highly productive and energetic region. Transmissometry profiles reveal that particle abundances exhibit considerable fine structure, with several distinct layers of elevated suspended particulate matter concentration at intermediate water depths in addition to the presence of a thick bottom nepheloid layer at each station. Excluding surface water samples, the Delta C-14 values of particulate organic carbon (POC) indicated the presence of a pre-aged component in the suspended POC pool (Delta C-14

DOI10.1016/j.dsr.2009.01.012