Abstract
Organic carbon (OC) and n-alkanes were investigated in the suspended matter (SM) and surficial sediments of the Arctic Ob and Yenisei Rivers and the adjacent Kara Sea. Organic nitrogen and δ 13C values were determined as additional parameters in the sediments. OC and n-alkane concentrations were highly variable in space. This variability was interpreted as the result of a complex sedimentation pattern involving the discharges of these two rivers and the seasonal occurrence of a shore-ice front along the coast. Using the constant ratio of high molecular weight odd n-alkanes to OC in both rivers, we estimated that more than 70% of the OC preserved in shelf sediments is terrestrially-derived. This result was substantiated by the overall dominance of land-derived n-alkanes. A second approach using δ 13C values and assuming binary dilution of riverine and marine OC led to comparable estimates.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
