Radiocarbon constraint on relict organic carbon contributions to Ross Sea sediments

Abstract

We estimate the relative contribution of relict organic matter to the acid-insoluble organic carbon (AIOC) fraction of surface sediments from Ross Sea, Antarctica, on the basis of 14C abundance. The bulk isotopic characteristics of AIOC can largely be explained by simple two-source models of modern and relict organic carbon, when samples are grouped according to two geographical regions, namely, southwestern and south central Ross Sea. This spatial variability in relict organic carbon could be controlled by proximity to the edge of the Ross Ice Shelf and ice drainage areas. Radiocarbon abundance in the AIOC is potentially an excellent tool to estimate the contribution of relict organic carbon in the Antarctic margin sediments.