Quantifying the degradation anic matter in marine sediments_ A review and synthesis.pdf

Quantifying the degradation anic matter in marine sediments:A review and synthesisSandra Arndta,b,?, . J?rgensenc, . LaRowed, . Middelburgb, . Pancoste, P. RegnierfBRIDGE, School of Geographical Sciences, University of Bristol, University Road, Bristol BS8 1SS, United KingdomFaculty of Geosciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht 3584CD, herlandsDepartment of Bioscience-Center for Geomicrobiology, Aarhus University, Ny Munkegade 114, DK-8000 Aarhus C, DenmarkDepartment of Earth Sciences, University of Southern California, Zumberge Hall of Science, 3651 Trousdale Pkwy, Los Angeles, CA 90089-0740, anic Geochemistry Unit, The Cabot Institute and Bristol Biogeochemistry Research Centre, School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, United KingdomDept. of Earth & Environmental Sciences, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Bruxelles 1050, Belgiumabstractarticle infoArticle history:Received 24 July epted 25 February 2013Available online 21 March anic matter degradationMarine sedimentsReaction–transport modelingDiagenesisQuantifying the rates of biogeochemical processes in marine sediments is essential for understanding globalelement cycles and climate change. anic matter degradation is the engine behind benthic dynam-ics, deciphering the impact that various forces have on this process is central to determining the evolution ofthe Earth system. Therefore, recent developments in the quantitative modeling anic matter degradationin marine sediments are critically reviewed. The?rst part of the review synthesizes the main chemical, bio-logical and physical factors that anic matter degradation in sediments while the second part pro-vides a general review of the mathematical formulations used to model these processes and the third partevaluates their application over different spatial and temporal scales. Key transport mechanisms in sedimen-tary environments are summarized and the mathematical formulation of anic matter degradation ratelaw is described in detail. The roles o