A seasonal study of particulate organic matter composition and quality along an offshore transect in the southern North Sea

摘要

We investigated temporal differences in particulate organic matter (POM) composition and quality in thewater column and sediment at three stations along a transect from the coast via Oyster Grounds toDogger Bank within the southern North Sea, using a multiproxy approach covering a wide spectrum oforganic matter (OM) degradation states. Results of pigments and phospholipid-derived fatty acidsshowed distinct OM composition and quality differences in these stations, as well as seasonal variations.Major events, such as a late fall bloom at Dogger Bank and a spring bloom at Oyster Grounds and theCoastal Station were highlighted and the semi-depositional status of Oyster Grounds was confirmed. TheOM composition and quality were relatively constant in the upper 10 cm of the sediment at all stations.Finally, this study highlights the importance of lateral and vertical transport processes in seasonal variationsin the biogeochemical carbon cycle in this area and the intense pre-depositional processingbefore eventual burial in coastal settings.