Organic Carbon in Late Quarternary Sediments of Seas and Oceans

The state of inequilibrium in the synthesis-decomposition system of aquatic OM in the water mass of seas and oceans is reflected in the amount of suspended matter that sinks to the bottom, which in terms of C_org approximates (1.2 – 3.7) × 109 tons yearly. The decomposition of the aquatic organic precipitation is practically the sole energy source of biogeochemical processes of authigenous mineral formation, that results in element dissemination and, in some instances, in the formation of ore concentrations. This implies that the organic content of sediments, which is expressed in terms of C_org, is the most important controlling factor determining the geochemical properties and type of sediments as a whole. Geochemical studies concerned with the principles governing the distribution and accumulation of OM in sediments are of high practical importance. For instance, the inferences drawn from such studies contribute to an understanding of the mode of deposition of large masses of OM, which serve as the source of petroleum and natural gas. This subject has long been a matter of lively concern, and the keen interest in the origin of petroleum has not lessened to date.