The Xiamen Symposium on Marine Environmental Sciences

2027 Xiamen Symposium on Marine Environmental Sciences

January 12-15, 2027

Insights into the role of the biological carbon pump in dissolved methane accumulation and emissions in the Arabian Sea
ID:614 Poster Presentation

2027-01-15 16:00 (China Standard Time)

Session:Session 49 - Biological Carbon Pump: New Insights from Field Observations and Model Constraints

Abstract
Beyond its well-established role in carbon sequestration, the biological carbon pump (BCP) may also influence dissolved methane (CH4) cycling by regulating organic matter export, remineralization, oxygen consumption, and microbial processes. However, whether and how the BCP shapes the vertical distribution of dissolved CH4 and its exchange with the atmosphere remain poorly understood, particularly in oxygen minimum zones (OMZs). Here, we present high-resolution field observations of dissolved CH4 concentrations and air-sea CH4 fluxes from the oxygen depleted Arabian Sea. We investigate the vertical heterogeneity of dissolved CH4 throughout the water column, with particular emphasis on the relationship between CH4 accumulation, oxygen gradients, and indicators of organic matter export and remineralization. We further examine whether the observed vertical methane distribution reflects the biogeochemical conditions established by the biological carbon pump. Our observations provide new perspectives on the interactions among carbon export, oxygen dynamics, and marine methane cycling, offering field-based evidence for evaluating the role of the biological carbon pump in regulating CH4 accumulation and air-sea CH4 emissions in the Arabian Sea.
Speaker
Yijie Li Second Institute of Oceanography; Ministry of Natural Resources

Author
Yijie Li Second Institute of Oceanography; Ministry of Natural Resources

    Important Dates

    • Jan 30

      2026

      Session / Event proposals open

    • Mar 31

      2026

      Session / Event proposals close
      (Extended to April 7)

    • Apr 30

      2026

      Session acceptance notifications

    • Apr 30

      2026

      Abstract submissions & registration open

    • Jun 30

      2026

      Abstract submissions close
      (Extended to July 21)

    • Aug 31

      2026

      Abstract acceptance notifications

    • Sep 15

      2026

      Scientific program released

    • Oct 15

      2026

      Early bird registration closes

    • Jan 12–15

      2027

      XMAS 2027