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Published on: August 17, 2016
Earthquake-enhanced dissolved carbon cycles in ultra-deep ocean sediments
Mengfan Chu1, Rui Bao2, Michael Strasser3
1Frontiers Science Center for Deep Ocean Multispheres and Earth System, and Key Laboratory of Marine Chemistry Theory and Technology, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266100, China.
Earthquake-triggered turbidites in hadal trenches enhance carbon cycling. These events fuel microbial methanogenesis and carbon accumulation in deep sediments, potentially accelerating carbon export into subduction zones.
Area of Science:
- Marine Geology
- Geochemistry
- Microbiology
Background:
- Hadal trenches are unique geological and ecological systems at subduction zones.
- Earthquake-triggered turbidites are key pathways for organic carbon (OC) transport.
- OC remineralization and transformation in trenches remain poorly understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) dynamics in Japan Trench subsurface sediments.
- Understand the role of earthquake-triggered turbidites in carbon cycling.
- Assess microbial methanogenesis and carbon export in hadal trench systems.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of DOC and DIC concentrations.
- Stable- and radiocarbon isotope signatures of dissolved carbon.
- Sampling of interstitial water from Japan Trench subsurface sediments (IODP Expedition 386).
Main Results:
- Accumulation and aging of DOC and DIC observed in subsurface sediments.
- Evidence for enhanced labile dissolved carbon production linked to turbidites.
- Intensive microbial methanogenesis supported by labile carbon in trench sediments.
Conclusions:
- Tectonic events, like earthquakes, significantly enhance carbon accumulation and transformation in trench systems.
- Residual dissolved carbon fuels the deep biosphere in hadal trenches.
- Accelerated carbon export into subduction zones may occur due to these processes.
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