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Organic carbon densities and accumulation rates in surface sediments of the North Sea and Skagerrak
Continental shelf sediments are places of both rapid organic carbon turnover and accumulation, while at the same time increasingly subjected to human-induced disturbances. Recent research suggests that shelf sediments might have a role to play as a natural climate solution, e.g. by storing organic c...
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Published in: | Biogeosciences 2021-03, Vol.18 (6), p.2139-2160 |
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Main Authors: | , , |
Format: | Article |
Language: | English |
Subjects: | |
Citations: | Items that this one cites Items that cite this one |
Online Access: | Get full text |
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Summary: | Continental shelf sediments are places of both rapid
organic carbon turnover and accumulation, while at the same time
increasingly subjected to human-induced disturbances. Recent research
suggests that shelf sediments might have a role to play as a natural climate
solution, e.g. by storing organic carbon if left undisturbed from
anthropogenic activity. However, we have an incomplete understanding about
the centres of organic carbon accumulation and storage on continental
shelves. To better constrain the rate of accumulation and the mass of
organic carbon that is stored in sediments, we developed and applied a
spatial modelling framework that allows us to estimate those quantities from
sparse observations and predictor variables known or suspected to influence
the spatial patterns of these parameters. This paper presents spatial
distribution patterns of organic carbon densities and accumulation rates in
the North Sea and Skagerrak. We found that organic carbon stocks and
accumulation rates are highest in the Norwegian Trough, while large parts of
the North Sea are characterised by low stocks and zero net accumulation. The
total stock of organic carbon that is stored in the upper 0.1 m of sediments
amounted to 230.5 ± 134.5 Tg C, of which approximately 26 % is
stored in the Norwegian Trough. Rates of organic carbon accumulation in the
Norwegian Trough are comparable with those reported from nearby fjords. We
provide baseline datasets that could be used in marine management, e.g. for
the establishment of “carbon protection zones”. Additionally, we highlight
the complex nature of continental shelves with zones of rapid carbon cycling
and accumulation juxtaposed, which will require further detailed and
spatially explicit analyses to constrain sedimentary organic carbon stocks
and accumulation rates globally. |
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ISSN: | 1726-4189 1726-4170 1726-4189 |
DOI: | 10.5194/bg-18-2139-2021 |