Efficient preservation of old methane-derived organic carbon in deep-sea surface sediments
ID:1373
Poster Presentation
2027-01-15 17:15 (China Standard Time)
Session:Session 7 - Under Pressure: Microbial Carbon Cycling and Organic Matter Transformation in the Deep Ocean
Abstract
Methane released from the subseafloor is significantly attenuated during upward migration, yet the preservation of methane-derived organic carbon (OC) in global deep-sea sediments remains poorly understood. Here, we measured carbon isotopes coupled with temperature-ramped analyses on various methane seepage sediments. Our results reveal a correlation between the radiocarbon (14C) content in deep-sea surface sediments and sulfate-methane transition depth. Notably, our findings suggest that a substantial amount of 14C-depleted OC may originate from deep-seated methane and is efficiently preserved in surface seapage sediments. We propose that efficient OC preservation is related to microbial-mediated aggregate formation at the seawater sediment interface, where physical occlusion within coarse-grained matrices reduces oxygen availability and enhances OC stability. We estimate that at least 6 TgC of methane-derived OC are preserved annually in surface sediments of the global continental slopes. This process may play a non-negligible role in OC preservation in sediments, reducing methane emission from seafloor.
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Important Dates
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Jan 30
2026
Session / Event proposals open
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Mar 31
2026
Session / Event proposals close
(Extended to April 7) -
Apr 30
2026
Session acceptance notifications
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Apr 30
2026
Abstract submissions & registration open
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Jun 30
2026
Abstract submissions close
(Extended to July 21) -
Aug 31
2026
Abstract acceptance notifications
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Sep 15
2026
Scientific program released
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Oct 15
2026
Early bird registration closes
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Jan 12–15
2027
XMAS 2027
