Earthquake-enhanced dissolved carbon cycles in ultra-deep ocean sediments

Hadal trenches are unique geological and ecological systems located along subduction zones. Earthquake-triggered turbidites act as efficient transport pathways of organic carbon (OC), yet remineralization and transformation of OC in these systems are not comprehensively understood. Here we measure concentrations and stable- and radiocarbon isotope signatures of dissolved organic and inorganic carbon (DOC, DIC) in the subsurface sediment interstitial water along the Japan Trench axis collected during the IODP Expedition 386. We find accumulation and aging of DOC and DIC in the subsurface sediments, which we interpret as enhanced production of labile dissolved carbon owing to earthquake-triggered turbidites, which supports intensive microbial methanogenesis in the trench sediments. The residual dissolved carbon accumulates in deep subsurface sediments and may continue to fuel the deep biosphere. Tectonic events can therefore enhance carbon accumulation and stimulate carbon transformation in plate convergent trench systems, which may accelerate carbon export into the subduction zones.

Full Text

FilePagesSizeAccess
Publisher's official version
92 Mo
Supplementary Information
421 Mo
Peer Review File
143 Mo
Reporting Summary
31 Mo
Source data
-65 Ko
Communiqué de Presse
61 Mo
How to cite
Chu Mengfan, Bao Rui, Strasser Michael, Ikehara Ken, Everest Jez, Maeda Lena, Hochmuth Katharina, Xu Li, McNichol Ann, Bellanova Piero, Rasbury Troy, Kölling Martin, Riedinger Natascha, Johnson Joel, Luo Min, März Christian, Straub Susanne, Jitsuno Kana, Brunet Morgane, Cai Zhirong, Cattaneo Antonio, Hsiung Kanhsi, Ishizawa Takashi, Itaki Takuya, Kanamatsu Toshiya, Keep Myra, Kioka Arata, McHugh Cecilia, Micallef Aaron, Pandey Dhananjai, Proust Jean Noël, Satoguchi Yasufumi, Sawyer Derek, Seibert Chloé, Silver Maxwell, Virtasalo Joonas, Wang Yonghong, Wu Ting-Wei, Zellers Sarah (2023). Earthquake-enhanced dissolved carbon cycles in ultra-deep ocean sediments. Nature Communications. 14 (1). 5427 (9p.). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-41116-w, https://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00853/96453/

Copy this text