Title | Molecular and isotopic constraints on the sources of suspended particulate organic carbon on the northwestern Atlantic margin |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 2009 |
Authors | Hwang, J, Montlucon, D, Eglinton, TI |
Journal | Deep-Sea Research Part I-Oceanographic Research Papers |
Volume | 56 |
Issue | 8 |
Pagination | 1284-1297 |
ISSN | 0967-0637 |
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 |
DOI | 10.1016/j.dsr.2009.01.012 |