Continental shelf sea sediments play a crucial role in the global carbon cycle due to their vast spatial extent, yet their relative importance in storing organic carbon remains a subject of much debate. Organic carbon storage in these sediments is highly spatially variable, driven by a complex interplay of physical, chemical, and biological processes. Despite advancements in the field of sedimentary Blue Carbon, knowledge gaps remain regarding spatial variability in organic carbon accumulation rates, long-term accumulation and burial, and the role of organic carbon source or reactivity in creating stocks in continental shelf sediments.
The proposed session aims to convene a diverse group of researchers to explore and discuss the factors influencing sedimentary Blue Carbon accumulation and storage across continental shelf seas, laying the foundation for discussions focused on marine management and conservation strategies. This session invites researchers working on:
(i) Processes that influence organic carbon accumulation, such as sedimentation rate and post-depositional degradation. We particularly welcome talks that address knowledge gaps regarding organic carbon burial and the link to biological processing and biodiversity.
(ii) The composition of stored organic carbon, including the differentiation between labile and refractory fractions, as well as the sources of organic carbon in continental shelf sediments.
(iii) The availability and spatial coverage of data supporting organic carbon stock assessments and estimates of transfer efficiency.
(iv) The mechanisms of organic carbon deposition are an important consideration, and we welcome discussion on how hydrodynamic conditions, such as tidal currents and wave action, as well as biological feeding and activity, affect the deposition of fine, organic carbon-rich, material on the seabed.
(v) The use of advanced techniques for mapping sedimentary Blue Carbon stocks, with an emphasis on the importance of remote sensing, modelling, and machine learning.
These discussions would complement a session focusing on the vulnerability of continental shelf organic carbon stocks to human disturbances. By integrating diverse perspectives, the session aims to enhance understanding of sedimentary Blue Carbon dynamics and inform policy and management strategies for carbon sequestration and climate change mitigation.