Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Florian Kurzweil, Olaf Dellwig, Martin Wille, Ronny Schoenberg, Helge W. Arz, Carsten Muenker
Summary: Manganese oxides preferentially adsorb light tungsten isotopes in marine environments, leading to heavier W isotope compositions in seawater. The stable W isotope data in sediments are related to the oxygenation level of seawater, indicating its potential as a tracer for early Earth redox reconstructions.
EARTH AND PLANETARY SCIENCE LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yinan Deng, Qingjun Guo, Congqiang Liu, Gaowen He, Jun Cao, Jianlin Liao, Chenhui Liu, Haifeng Wang, Jianhou Zhou, Yufei Liu, Fenlian Wang, Bin Zhao, Rongfei Wei, Jiang Zhu, Haijun Qiu
Summary: REY from bioapatite are not reliable recorders of the deep marine environment due to the lower benthic flux compared to the shallow marine realm.
Article
Geography, Physical
Mohammad J. Razmjooei, Jorijntje Henderiks, Helen K. Coxall, Karl-Heinz Baumann, Flor Vermassen, Martin Jakobsson, Frank Niessen, Matt O'Regan
Summary: Despite extensive studies, the relationship between the age and sub-seafloor depth of Arctic Ocean sediments is still ambiguous. High-resolution biostratigraphic analysis of late Quaternary sediments in the central Arctic Ocean reveals a radically different geochronological framework, which helps reconcile different dating approaches and brings us one step closer to accurate paleoceanographic reconstructions.
QUATERNARY SCIENCE REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Bogolitsyn Konstantin, Parshina Anastasia, Ivanchenko Nikolay, Polomarchuk Daria
Summary: The study analysed the changes in chemical composition of macroalgae in the White Sea during the growing season. It found increased levels of polyphenols, pigments, and saturated fatty acids, likely due to solar activity, photosynthesis, and higher seawater temperature. August was identified as the optimal month to harvest macroalgae with valuable chemical compounds, and specific species were recommended for isolating different components. Compared to macroalgae from Europe, the Far East, and Southeast Asia, the White Sea species showed high potential as a new source of lipophilic substances and cellulose.
ALGAL RESEARCH-BIOMASS BIOFUELS AND BIOPRODUCTS
(2023)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Y. Xiang, P. J. Lam, J. M. Lee
Summary: The study found that the oxidation state of particulate manganese in the surface Arctic Ocean is related to the sampling time, with AOS <2.4 during the day and >3.0 at night. It is hypothesized that a light-dependent redox cycle between dissolved and particulate manganese exists in the surface Arctic Ocean.
GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jennifer K. Adams, Bethany Y. Dean, Samantha N. Athey, Liisa M. Jantunen, Sarah Bernstein, Gary Stern, Miriam L. Diamond, Sarah A. Finkelstein
Summary: This study conducted the first Canadian Arctic-wide investigation of anthropogenic particles in marine sediments, revealing that microfibers and microplastics, with a significant portion being anthropogenic cellulose fibers, are the main components. Concentrations of these particles in Canadian Arctic sediments exceeded those in urban areas near point sources of plastic pollution.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Manuel Ruben, Jens Hefter, Florence Schubotz, Walter Geibert, Martin Butzin, Torben Gentz, Hendrik Grotheer, Matthias Forwick, Witold Szczucinski, Gesine Mollenhauer
Summary: Traditionally, rock-derived or petrogenic organic carbon has been considered non-bioavailable and not actively involved in the carbon cycle. However, recent studies suggest that this carbon may not be as inert as previously thought, especially in fjord systems with high influxes of petrogenic organic carbon, which could contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. The extent to which microorganisms utilize this organic carbon is not well understood, but it plays a significant role in the global carbon cycling. Radiocarbon analysis of intact polar lipid-fatty acids in marine sediments from Hornsund Fjord, Svalbard, revealed that bacterial communities in the area utilize 5 +/- 2% to 55 +/- 6% (average of 25 +/- 16%) of petrogenic organic carbon for biosynthesis after sediment redeposition. This suggests that the lack of recently synthesized organic carbon from primary production forces microorganisms to rely on petrogenic organic carbon as an alternative energy source, highlighting its importance in carbon cycling.
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Manuel Ruben, Jens Hefter, Florence Schubotz, Walter Geibert, Martin Butzin, Torben Gentz, Hendrik Grotheer, Matthias Forwick, Witold Szczucinski, Gesine Mollenhauer
Summary: Despite being considered as having limited bioavailability, ancient rock-derived organic matter in Arctic fjord sediments is consumed by micro-organisms, potentially leading to greenhouse gas emissions.
Article
Environmental Sciences
B. Rogalla, S. E. Allen, M. Colombo, P. G. Myers, K. J. Orians
Summary: Biogeochemical cycles in the Arctic Ocean are sensitive to the transport of materials from continental shelves into central basins by sea ice. Manganese (Mn) is an important micronutrient and tracer, and sea ice is the main source of Mn in the Canada Basin while rivers contribute less. The vulnerability of biogeochemical supply mechanisms in the Arctic Ocean and subpolar seas to climate change is highlighted.
GLOBAL BIOGEOCHEMICAL CYCLES
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Emilie Leclerc, Jason J. Venkiteswaran, Izabela Jasiak, James Telford, Mackenzie D. J. Schultz, Brent B. Wolfe, Roland I. Hall, Raoul-Marie Couture
Summary: Lake sediments are used as environmental archives to reconstruct past changes in contaminants deposition, however, the mobility of arsenic in sediments during early diagenesis may affect the reliability of As depth profiles. Results from the study suggest that lakes further than 50 km from mines act as sinks for arsenic, while lakes closer to the mines sustain present-day arsenic fluxes. The study also indicates that peaks in solid phase arsenic coincide with periods of high emissions from gold ore roasting activities.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Diana P. Bojanova, Valerie Y. De Anda, Mojhgan A. Haghnegahdar, Andreas P. Teske, Jeanine L. Ash, Edward D. Young, Brett J. Baker, Douglas E. LaRowe, Jan P. Amend
Summary: A multidisciplinary approach was used to investigate methane production in sediments (down to 295 mbsf) at Guaymas Basin for the first time. Significant proportions of microbial methane were found at all sites, with the highest signal at the site with past alteration. Methane production was influenced by thermal sediment alteration, and higher resolution metagenomic sampling is needed to clarify the modern methanogen community. This study highlights the importance of using a multidisciplinary approach to capture microbial influences in dynamic, deep subsurface settings like Guaymas Basin.
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Piyali Chanda, Arjun Kohli, Fang-Zhen Teng, Matthew S. Fantle
Summary: This study presents the isotopic compositions of Mg, Ca, and Sr in pore fluids, bulk carbonates, planktonic foraminiferal tests, and bulk clays from multiple drilling sites. The objective is to understand the major processes controlling marine pore fluid composition and their effects on diagenetic alteration in carbonate sediments. The results suggest that calcite recrystallization and clay authigenesis play significant roles in the isotopic variations observed.
GEOCHIMICA ET COSMOCHIMICA ACTA
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Ekaterina D. Obluchinskaya, Olga N. Pozharitskaya, Elena V. Gorshenina, Denis V. Zakharov, Elena V. Flisyuk, Inna I. Terninko, Yuliya E. Generalova, Alexander N. Shikov
Summary: The impact of the geographic location of Fucus distichus L. on its biochemical composition, antiradical properties, and health risk was evaluated in this study. The main carbohydrates varied among different regions, with the highest level found in samples from the Barents Sea. Most Arctic F. distichus samples showed low or undetectable levels of heavy metals and were deemed safe for daily consumption. The results support the potential use of Arctic F. distichus as a rich source of polysaccharides, polyphenols, and flavonoids with important antiradical activity.
Article
Environmental Sciences
F. S. Freitas, S. Arndt, K. R. Hendry, J. C. Faust, A. C. Tessin, C. Marz
Summary: Carbonate chemistry of the Arctic Ocean seafloor and its vulnerability to ocean acidification remain poorly understood. This study employs an integrated data-model assessment to investigate benthic pH and carbonate chemistry in the Barents Sea, revealing the main drivers of carbonate dynamics and estimating benthic fluxes of dissolved inorganic carbon and alkalinity. The findings highlight the importance of organic matter degradation and bottom water conditions in shaping sedimentary carbonate chemistry and have significant implications for predicting carbon burial and pH buffering in the Arctic Ocean in the future.
GLOBAL BIOGEOCHEMICAL CYCLES
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
P. Latour, P. van der Merwe, K. Wuttig, M. Corkill, A. T. Townsend, T. M. Holmes, S. R. Rintoul, C. K. Weldrick, R. F. Strzepek, M. Gault-Ringold, R. Schlitzer, A. R. Bowie
Summary: This study investigates the potential export of Mn-rich Antarctic shelf waters towards depleted open Southern Ocean waters. The results show that while high Mn concentrations were observed over the shelf, biological uptake decreased dissolved Mn concentrations in surface waters north of the South Antarctic Circumpolar Current Front, limiting its export. However, bottom waters exhibited a decrease in dissolved Mn concentrations with distance from the coast, indicating potential lateral export.
GLOBAL BIOGEOCHEMICAL CYCLES
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Walter Geibert, Jens Matthiessen, Ingrid Stimac, Jutta Wollenburg, Ruediger Stein
Summary: The study provides evidence for at least two periods in the past when the Arctic Ocean and Nordic seas were covered by an extensive ice shelf and filled with fresh water, causing a widespread absence of thorium-230 in marine sediments. This suggests a revision of sea-level reconstructions may be needed and indicates that large masses of fresh water could be delivered to the North Atlantic Ocean on very short timescales.
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Eun Young Lee, Maria Luisa G. Tejada, Insun Song, Seung Soo Chun, Susanne Gier, Laurent Riquier, Lloyd T. White, Bernhard Schnetger, Hans-Jurgen Brumsack, Matthew M. Jones, Mathieu Martinez
Summary: The petrophysical properties of volcanic rocks are controlled by lithology and subsequent alteration processes. By compiling and correlating petrophysical data with geochemical and mineralogical analyses, it is possible to quantify the alteration intensity of volcanic rocks. The variations in petrophysical properties with alteration intensity can help characterize volcanic stratigraphy and develop exploration strategies for volcanic rocks.
JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-SOLID EARTH
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Gonzalo V. Gomez-Saez, Thorsten Dittmar, Moritz Holtappels, Anika M. Pohlabeln, Anna Lichtschlag, Bernhard Schnetger, Antje Boetius, Jutta Niggemann
Summary: Dissolved organic carbon in today's oceans is an important component of the global carbon cycle, with anoxic marine environments possibly contributing to its preservation through reactions with sulfur species. Studies show that in the sulfidic waters of the Black Sea, dissolved organic sulfur is largely formed within the water column, indicating potential long-lasting effects on global climate.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Christian Marz, Felipe S. Freitas, Johan C. Faust, Jasmin A. Godbold, Sian F. Henley, Allyson C. Tessin, Geoffrey D. Abbott, Ruth Airs, Sandra Arndt, David K. A. Barnes, Laura J. Grange, Neil D. Gray, Ian M. Head, Katharine R. Hendry, Robert G. Hilton, Adam J. Reed, Saskia Ruhl, Martin Solan, Terri A. Souster, Mark A. Stevenson, Karen Tait, James Ward, Stephen Widdicombe
Summary: The Arctic is undergoing unprecedented and dramatic transformations in response to climate change, with a disproportionate focus on visible aspects like sea ice melt and the fate of megafauna. However, the importance of the shelf seafloor in regulating nutrients and sequestering carbon is often overlooked. Climate change and regional adjustments to human activities may alter the biogeochemical and ecological dynamics of the Arctic shelf seafloor, impacting ecosystem function, carbon burial, and nutrient recycling. Mitigating climatic and anthropogenic change requires recognizing the vital role of the Arctic benthic system.
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Myriam Kars, Male Koester, Susann Henkel, Rudiger Stein, Florence Schubotz, Xiang Zhao, Stephen A. Bowden, Andrew P. Roberts, Kazuto Kodama
Summary: Diagenesis can significantly alter primary magnetic mineral assemblages, as observed in the sediments drilled at International Ocean Discovery Program Site C0023. Varying conditions over time have led to a complex sequence of magnetic overprints, influenced by factors such as sediment supply, burial temperature, and tectonic fluid circulation.
GEOCHEMISTRY GEOPHYSICS GEOSYSTEMS
(2021)
Letter
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Walter Geibert, Jens Matthiessen, Jutta Wollenburg, Ruediger Stein
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Julia S. Kirchner, Karsten A. Lettmann, Bernhard Schnetger, Joerg-Olaf Wolff, Hans-Juergen Brumsack
Summary: Reducing CO2 emissions is a major task for the coming decades, and accelerated weathering of limestone can be used for carbon sequestration. The product water has high alkalinity but low pH values, leading to passive CO2 outgassing when in contact with the atmosphere. Promising sites for AWL implementation may include Florida or the Mediterranean Sea, where outgassing could be prevented by injections into deep water layers.
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Gabriel Tagliaro, Craig S. Fulthorpe, David K. Watkins, David De Vleeschouwer, Hans Brumsack, Kara Bogus, Luc L. Lavier
Summary: Deep ocean circulation in the Southern Hemisphere is crucial for global ocean overturning circulation and carbon sink variability. This study examines sediment cores from the Mentelle Basin in the Southeastern Indian Ocean and finds that bottom current activity intensified in the Australian-Antarctic Basin during late Miocene and late Pliocene cooling intervals, leading to increased sediment erosion.
PALEOCEANOGRAPHY AND PALEOCLIMATOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
F. S. Freitas, S. Arndt, K. R. Hendry, J. C. Faust, A. C. Tessin, C. Marz
Summary: Carbonate chemistry of the Arctic Ocean seafloor and its vulnerability to ocean acidification remain poorly understood. This study employs an integrated data-model assessment to investigate benthic pH and carbonate chemistry in the Barents Sea, revealing the main drivers of carbonate dynamics and estimating benthic fluxes of dissolved inorganic carbon and alkalinity. The findings highlight the importance of organic matter degradation and bottom water conditions in shaping sedimentary carbonate chemistry and have significant implications for predicting carbon burial and pH buffering in the Arctic Ocean in the future.
GLOBAL BIOGEOCHEMICAL CYCLES
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Junjie Wu, Gesine Mollenhauer, Ruediger Stein, Peter Kohler, Jens Hefter, Kirsten Fahl, Hendrik Grotheer, Bingbing Wei, Seung-Il Nam
Summary: This study provides evidence for substantial remobilization of ancient terrestrial carbon in the Canadian Arctic during the deglaciation. Physical erosion of bedrock during glacier retreat has mobilized petrogenic carbon, while coastal erosion during meltwater pulses has remobilized pre-aged carbon from permafrost. These processes have contributed 12 ppm to the rise of CO2 during deglaciation, suggesting a positive climate feedback of ice-sheet retreat and underscoring the impact of cryospheric change on the carbon cycle.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Defang You, Ruediger Stein, Kirsten Fahl, Maricel C. Williams, Daniela N. Schmidt, Ian Nicholas McCave, Stephen Barker, Enno Schefuss, Lu Niu, Gerhard Kuhn, Frank Niessen
Summary: According to sediment core biomarker proxy records from the Eirik Drift, freshwater perturbations during the last deglaciation drove abrupt changes in sea surface temperature and sea ice extent. Four millennial-scale meltwater events have been identified between the last 14,000 and 8,200 years, characterized by increased sea ice formation and decreased sea surface temperatures. These events were likely triggered by meltwater pulsing into the Labrador Sea periodically, resulting from collapse of the Laurentide-Greenland Ice Sheets caused by (sub-)surface ocean warming.
COMMUNICATIONS EARTH & ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jutta Erika Wollenburg, Jens Matthiessen, Christoph Vogt, Gernot Nehrke, Hendrik Grotheer, Dorothee Wilhelms-Dick, Walter Geibert, Gesine Mollenhauer
Summary: Calcareous foraminifera are important for marine radiocarbon chronologies and paleo-proxies, but their shells can undergo post-mortem alteration, including addition of authigenic calcite, which impacts proxy records. In the Arctic Ocean, authigenic calcite overgrowth on foraminifera has been found to be C-13-enriched and can lead to older apparent radiocarbon ages. This study demonstrates that this C-13-enriched calcite affects a large proportion of planktonic foraminifera in the Arctic Basin, raising concerns about the accuracy of the chronology and stable isotope-based proxy records in this region, with implications for paleoclimate models.
COMMUNICATIONS EARTH & ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Andre Paul, Stefan Mulitza, Ruediger Stein, Martin Werner
Summary: This study provides a climatology of near-sea-surface temperature anomalies and sea-ice extent during the Last Glacial Maximum mapped on a global 1x1 degree grid, using various proxies and reconstructions. The gridded climatology is useful for understanding LGM climate, calculating global and regional temperature averages, estimating climate sensitivity, and providing boundary conditions for atmospheric circulation models.
CLIMATE OF THE PAST
(2021)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Xinze Lu, Geoffrey J. Gilleaudeau, Brian Kendall
Summary: The Late Ordovician mass extinction is the first major extinction event in the Phanerozoic, but the reasons for the decline in global biodiversity before the extinction are not well understood.
GEOCHIMICA ET COSMOCHIMICA ACTA
(2024)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Junyao Kang, Daniel D. Gregory, Benjamin Gill, Shiqiang Huang, Changxin Lai, Zhaoshan Chang, Huan Cui, Ivan Belousov, Shuhai Xiao
Summary: Sedimentary pyrite is an important geological archive, but it can be altered by diagenetic and hydrothermal processes. This study successfully trained machine learning algorithms to distinguish pyrite origins using trace element data. The approach was validated and applied to identify the origins of pyrite in two sedimentary successions in South China.
GEOCHIMICA ET COSMOCHIMICA ACTA
(2024)