The nature and distribution of organic matter in the surface sediments of world oceans and seas

Abstract

Existing data on the distribution of organic carbon and nitrogen in marine sediments have been analyzed in order to better understand the physical and chemical processes involved in this aspect of the global carbon cycle. Maps of the global distribution of organic carbon and nitrogen in the sediments of world oceans and seas are presented. Correlation analyses of the available information dealing with the distribution of marine sedimentary organic matter has revealed that in terms of bulk parameters (%C O rg and %N Kjeldahl), there is an apparent accumulation of organic matter on the continental slope (water column depth 200–2000 m). Specific interactions between clays and organic matter, although indicated in laboratory experiments, have not been detected by these analyses.