Evidence for permafrost thaw and transport from an Alaskan North Slope watershed

摘要: Burial of organic carbon (OC) in marine sediments is one the most important linkages between short-term biologic cycle and long-term geologic cycle. Yet much still unknown about fate terrigenous OC coastal margins. Here delivery particulate (POC) to Colville River deltaic region Alaskan Beaufort Sea by particulates varying densities studied through use ramped temperature pyrolysis radiocarbon analyses. The largest river North America whose watershed underlain completely high Arctic permafrost tundra. A variety sources POC are considered, including terrestrial soils, Pleistocene-aged yedoma-like sediments, peat erosion, POC. We provide first evidence that riverine from contains old (Pleistocene-sourced) OC, suggesting ongoing thaw mobilization this northern watershed. Additionally, appears be fairly labile therefore could readily oxidized returned atmosphere.