Marine biogeochemistry and the carbon cycle

We are interested in understanding how organic matter is recycled at the seafloor and along ocean margins, and how these processes are related to the oceanic and global cycles of carbon.  We are particularly interested in the variability in radiocarbon signatures across different carbon pools, and how these signals can be used to understand controls on organic matter degradation and preservation.

Most of the organic matter in the environment is highly degraded and structurally complex, making it a challenge to study the dynamics of this important carbon pool.  Our approach to studying carbon cycling in benthic systems is to use naturally occurring isotopes of carbon to help identify pools of organic matter with contrasting provenance and history, and understand how they are transformed within the sediments.  We build conceptual and numerical models of organic matter degradation and oxidation to interpret experimental and field-based data.  We also develop/assess analytical methods that enable us to better address the questions of our interest.