Sedimentary Organic Carbon

Question 1

Why is Refractory Organic Carbon important?

Answer 1

Refractory Organic Carbon feeds organisms living in sediments.

Question 2

Importance of Sediments

Answer 2

Sediments storage Carbon which influences atmospheric CO2 and O2 levels.

Sedimentary Carbon improves predictions of long term Carbon Cycle.

Question 3

What Characteristics Promote Preservation?

Answer 3

High Productivity of Organic Carbon, Shallow Depths, High Sediment Accumulation Rate.

Question 4

Where is most of Sedimentary Organic Carbon buried?

Answer 4

Coasts !
(High Productivity, Shallow Water, Lots of Minerals, Low Oxygen)

Least Preserved in Open Ocean.

Question 5

Relationship between Oxygen and Sedimentary Organic Carbon

Answer 5

Lack of Oxygen leads to more Organic Carbon Preservation.

Question 6

Advantages of Storing Excess Oxide in Deep Sea Sediment?

Answer 6

CO2 removal !