白垩纪中期海相富有机碳沉积的地球生物学背景

白垩纪中期(约125～88Ma)海相富有机碳沉积广泛发育于全球各主要洋盆和沉降区,是许多大油田的重要烃源岩。文中从地球生物学的角度探讨了当时海相富有机碳沉积的地质背景和主控因素,认为在白垩纪中期全球事件频发的特殊背景下,保存条件(大洋缺氧)和生产力的提高共同控制了有机质的富集。大洋缺氧不但加快了海洋生物的灭绝和更替,使有机质大量堆积,而且促进了营养元素(P、N、Fe等)的再生和厌氧自养型海洋微生物(如蓝细菌、绿硫细菌和古菌类等)的极度繁盛,提高了生产力水平;而高的生产力又反过来加剧了海洋的缺氧。新的研究成果(Os同位素证据)表明,白垩纪大规模海底火山作用引发了持续的温室效应和海水循环的静滞、紊乱以及弱上升流发育,进而导致生产力的提高和大洋缺氧事件(OAE)的发生,最终造成有机质的广泛堆积和保存。     

Role of microorganisms in oceanic anoxic events (OAEs)

The accumulation of organic matter (OM) during oceanic anoxic events (OAEs) that took place in the Mesozoic may reflect different biogeochemical pathways and feedbacks related to palaeoenvironmental changes. It originates from a combination of nutrient cycling, metal concentrations and position of the chemocline and/or pycnocline controlling biological production. Because ocean stagnation cannot induce euxinia, an expanded oxygen minimum zone (OMZ) associated with upwelling and improved hydrological cycles is more commonly accepted. In some depositional settings, it permitted the evolution of anoxia/dysoxia to euxinia (sulphidic waters). The latter is recorded by the presence of anoxygenic phototrophs and involved denitrification, anaerobic oxidation of methane and sulphate reduction. In order to better constrain different OAE palaeoenvironments, models are suggested here that show the evolution from main microbial communities thriving through the water column to bacterial and more complex microbial mats. Therefore, microbial processes have a key role in OM production and metabolization. They directly influence the position of the chemocline. Detailed study of the OM preserved in black shales will be key to understanding OAEs.     

塔里木盆地下寒武统底部高熟海相烃源岩中有机质的赋存状态

近年来的研究证明,中新生代未熟—低熟海相富有机质泥质烃源岩中有机质是通过溶解在水中的分子规模的碳有机质以化学吸附的形式被吸附到矿物表面上和蒙脱石结构层内。然而,对于高熟海相泥质烃源岩中有机质的赋存状态却少有报道。通过对塔里木盆地下寒统底部高熟海相泥质烃源岩的有机碳含量、矿物表面积、扫描电镜和透射电镜的综合分析,得到了其有机质以细小的颗粒状保存于沉积物颗粒之间的结论。同时,通过高熟海相烃源岩与现代未熟海相烃源岩有机质赋存状态的对比,提出了值得进一步研究的有关科学问题。     

意大利上新世古生产力的轨道驱动

主要研究了意大利上新统3个剖面Punta Piccola、Cape Spertivento以及Punta Rossello蛋白石含量的变化,综合其它古环境指标对非洲季风和地中海表层生产力加以分析,研究表明,Punta Piccola剖面和Cape Spertivento剖面各古环境指标对岁差周期影响的响应明显而单纯,即岁差低值,对应氧同位素偏负,有机碳和蛋白石高值以及碳酸盐低值,说明地中海表层生产力明显受到岁差的驱动。岁差驱动下的北非夏季风导致尼罗河泛滥,带来的丰富营养元素使得生产力剧增,同时淡水注入,阻碍了水体的垂向交换,直接导致了海底的缺氧环境,硅藻利用深层营养产生勃发,并组成“藻席”,快速沉降到海底,使得有机碳迅速埋葬和保存,从而引发了腐泥层的形成。Punta Rossello剖面硅藻层证实了“藻席”的存在,但是蛋白石含量并不高。 [HT5H]关 键 词:[HT5K] [HT5H]中图分类号： 文献标识码：A[HT5SS][HK]     

The oceanic anoxic event 2 at Es Souabaa (Tebessa,NE Algeria): bio-events and stable isotope study

At the southern margin of the Tethys, the Es Souabaa area recorded traces of Oceanic Anoxic Event 2 (OAE2) around the Cenomanian-Turonian boundary (C/Tb). The dark, laminated, filament- and pyrite-bearing limestones represent the typical facies of this event. In terms of sedimentary environment, these features reflect a transgressive drowning that had induced hypoxia in these sedimentary environments. Such conditions favored the deposition and preservation of organic matter of marine origin, the distribution of which was controlled by paleogeography and halokinetic tectonics at that period. The OAE2 reached a climax between the last upper Cenomanian occurrence of Rotalipora cushmani and the lower Turonian occurrence of Whiteinella praehelvetica. Positive shift of the δ¹³C excursion along with relatively high total organic carbon (TOC) contents during OAE2 both indicate palaeo-environmental modifications enhanced by a significant change in primary marine productivity. Meanwhile, negative δ¹⁸O peaks in carbonates reflect increasing temperatures. Comparison of the data from this study with those from the neighboring Kalaat Senan section (Tunisia) suggests close similarities of events, although OAE2 is much more enhanced in Algeria.     

Organic matter preservation in the carbonate matrix of a recent microbial mat – Is there a ‘mat seal effect’?

Phototrophic mats (microbial mats with a phototrophic top layer) are complex systems in terms of microbial diversity, biogeochemical cycles and organic matter (OM) turnover. It has been proposed that these mats were a predominant life form in Proterozoic shallow water settings, prior to the emergence of bioturbating organisms in the Ediacaran–Cambrian transition. For most of the Precambrian, microbial mats were not only quantitative important carbon fixing systems, but also influenced the transfer and transformation of OM before it entered the geosphere. The profound alteration of compound inventories during transit through microbial mats, implying substantial consequences for OM preservation in the Proterozoic, was recently proposed as a “mat-seal effect” [Pawlowska et al. (2012) Geology 41, 103–106]. To obtain a better understanding of the early diagenetic fate of primary produced OM in microbial mats, we studied a recent calcifying mat from a hypersaline lake in Kiritimati, which showed in the deeper mat layers a maximum ¹⁴C_carbonate age of ∼1500 years. We particularly focused on OM entrapped in the carbonate matrix, because of the better potential of such biomineral-encapsulated OM to reach the geosphere before degradation (and remineralization). Our data indicate that selective preservation is important in phototrophic mats. While a diagenetic transformation of lipid fatty acids (FAs) was evident, their fatty acyl-derived hydrocarbon moieties were not introduced into protokerogen, which was instead mainly comprised of cyanobacterial and/or algal biomacromolecules. Our data support the proposed major impact of the “mat-seal effect” on OM turnover and preservation; i.e. the suppression of biosignatures derived from the upper mat layers, while signals of heterotrophic microbes thriving in deeper mat layers become preferentially preserved (e.g. high hopane/sterane ratios). This mechanism may have broad consequences for the interpretation of biomarkers from Proterozoic shelf environments, because biosignatures of phototrophic mat dwellers as well as planktonic signals may have become heavily biased by the production and turnover of OM in microbial mat systems.     

Regional record of a global oceanic anoxic event: OAE1a on the Apulia Platform margin, Gargano Promontory, southern Italy

The Gargano Promontory of southern Italy, located on the eastern margin of the Apulia Platform, represents a peculiar Tethyan area where the transition between carbonate platform and adjacent basins is exposed on land. The Aptian stratigraphic record, represented in shallow-water, slope and deep-water deposits, provides a good opportunity to investigate the regional response to the worldwide documented climatic, biotic and palaeoceanographic changes related to Oceanic Anoxic Event 1a (OAE1a). A synthesis of data previously published (Ischitella and Coppitella sections), together with original data (Val Carbonara and Coppa della Guardia sections), from four stratigraphic sections from different depositional settings (proximal to distal) is provided, using an integrated, high-resolution micropalaeontological (planktonic foraminifera and calcareous nannofossils) and, for one section, geochemical (stable carbon and oxygen isotopes) approach. Organic matter preservation is confined to the more distal areas and consists of two thin intervals of black shales in the Aptian portion of the Marne a Fucoidi Formation. Biostratigraphic data assign the older black shale (5 cm thick) to the Selli Level equivalent (OAE1a, Lower Aptian); this carbon-rich interval is immediately followed by another black shale (7–10 cm thick) of early Late Aptian age.OAE1a is generally interpreted as a high-productivity event during a warming interval, followed by a cooling trend. In the Gargano Promontory, although the oxygen isotope curve indicates the above-mentioned climatic evolution, the micropalaeontological data do not support high fertility of the surface water, whereas micropalaeontological and geochemical data for the younger black shale do record high productivity (radiolarian increase in overall abundance, low nannofossil and foraminiferal species richness, increase in abudance of nannofossil fertility indices) associated with a cooling trend. The carbon and oxygen isotope record is in line with evidence from the curves documented elsewhere, whereas, among the biotic events, only the “nannoconid crisis” preceding OAE1a is revealed to be globally correlable.Environmental models for the two episodes of organic matter preservation are proposed, taking into account both global and local controlling factors.     

Short-term environmental changes in the Cretaceous Tethyan Ocean: micropalaeontological evidence from the Early Albian Oceanic Anoxic Event 1b

ABSTRACT To better understand the linkage between climate and ocean circulation under greenhouse conditions we have studied calcareous nannofossils, palynomorphs and benthic foraminifera from the Early Albian Oceanic Anoxic Event 1b black shale (OAE 1b) in the Vocontian Basin (SE France). We propose that monsoonal activity resulting from precessional forcing and modulated by eccentricity-driven temperature changes represents the driving factor of OAE 1b formation in low latitudes. With the onset of OAE 1b, increasingly warm and humid conditions, stronger winds and enhanced terrestrial input led to higher surface water productivity. Therefore, increased productivity is an important factor for OAE 1b formation in the Vocontian Basin. However, monsoonally forced productivity changes are a regional climate signal only. The supraregional occurrence of the OAE 1b is probably due to a reduction of deep water formation in the low latitudes under extremely warm and humid conditions, leading to enhanced preservation of organic matter.     

Minor changes in surface-water fertility across the oceanic anoxic event 1d (latest Albian,SE France) evidenced by calcareous nannofossils

The latest Albian sediments deposited in the Vocontian basin in south-eastern France record the oceanic anoxic event (OAE) 1d, locally named the Breistroffer interval. They are represented by argillaceous marls and marls, containing organic matter (total organic carbon varying from 0.8 to 1%). Changes in calcareous nannofossil abundance and assemblage composition as well as macrofauna abundance, ichnofossil assemblage, and bioturbation intensity were analysed in order to evaluate the main palaeoenvironmental factors controlling the deposition of the OAE 1d sediments in this area. The pelagic carbonate production is limited and the carbonate fraction is predominantly of nektonic/benthic, and of allochthonous origin from carbonate platforms. The enrichment in organic carbon within the Breistroffer interval is weak and not associated with high surface-water productivity. The organic matter is mainly terrigenous. Its record is due to (1) a good preservation under dysoxic conditions within the sediments, and (2) a weak input of allochthonous carbonates. Eustatic fluctuations strongly influenced the variations of nannofossil and macrofauna abundances. Distinctive patterns in nannofossil assemblages and macrofauna abundances within the Breistroffer interval are also recognized, reflecting changes from mesotrophic to more oligotrophic conditions which are probably controlled by climate.     

Pore structure and adsorption behavior of shale gas reservoir with influence of maturity: a case study of Lower Silurian Longmaxi formation in China

Knowledge of pore structure and adsorption capacity provides guidance for better studying the origin, hydrocarbon distribution, and productivity of shale gas reservoir. In this study, pore structure characteristics of six shale core plugs with different maturity from the Lower Silurian Longmaxi formation in south China were investigated using the Rock-eval analysis, X-ray diffraction, total organic carbon (TOC) content test, and scanning electron microscope (SEM) observation. To further investigate the influence of maturity, the adsorption behavior of gas shale was experimentally measured, with the maximal pressure being 20 MPa. Rock-eval analysis indicates that Ro is 0.67~1.34%. SEM results show that organic matter (OM) pores are abundant in high-maturity shale sample. The OM pores are mainly irregular to elliptical in shape, the size is 8~100 nm. The TOC content is 0.16~4.21% and shows a positive correlation with the BET surface area. A negative relationship exists between TOC content and average pore diameter, which indicates that abundant nanometer pores are related to the OM. A noticeable characteristic in the pore size distribution curve is that the content of micropores (pore width <?2 nm) increases with the increasing TOC content. Additionally, the thermal maturity results in significant difference in methane adsorption capacity. Maximal adsorption capacity of shale samples is also lineally correlated with TOC content, which increases with maturity. This study provides a quantitative understanding of how maturity affects pore structure and adsorption behavior of shale gas reservoir.     

鲁西北西向断裂系晚中生代活动的几何学、运动学及年代学研究

鲁西隆起区发育有大量的北西向脆性断裂.依据野外断裂构造的几何学、运动学详细解析,认为北西向断裂系经历了早期的右行压剪、右行张剪,以及后期的左行压剪等不同性质的构造活动.由与北西向断裂活动相伴生的同期侵入岩体的 K-Ar测试结果分析,北西向断裂系在距今约160 Ma及距今130～110 Ma分别经历了右行压剪与右行张剪构造活动;通过分布在隆起区不同样品的磷灰石裂变径迹数据分析、冷却史反演,厘定鲁西地体在距今90～80 Ma存在一次区域性快速冷却构造事件,该构造事件与北西向断裂系的左行压剪构造活动相对应.     

LGM热带西太平洋硅藻席古生产力定量评估

巨型"树荫种"硅藻在成层化大洋中通过"秋季倾泻"勃发模式向深部大洋输出的有机碳通量等于甚至超过"春季勃发"硅藻, 其在第四纪全球气候转型、大洋碳储库演变中的重要地位最近才予以重视.作为大洋碳循环系统的重要参数, 生产力无疑成为探索这一作用的有效窗口.以东菲律宾海的Ethmodiscus rex硅藻席(LDM, laminated diatom mats)岩心WPD-03为材料, 以opal、TOC、bio-Ba等生源组分数据为基础, 运用前人建立的各种生产力经验公式, 试图估算LGM(last glacial maximum)热带西太平洋LDM的古生产力状况.结果显示, LDM沉积期初级生产力、有机碳雨率和埋藏生产力估算合理, 平均分别为248.42 g·m-2·a-1、61.93 g·m-2·a-1和5.27 g·m-2·a-1.估计的初级生产力与代表高生产力的世界大洋各上涌海区可比, 纠正了成层化大洋生产力低下的传统观点, 支持巨型"树荫种"硅藻对大洋有机碳生产与输出的充分贡献.然而, 估算的输出生产力明显不合理, 表明利用基于真光层建立的生产力模型评估次表层水中的巨型"树荫种"硅藻时应格外谨慎, 加强了区别对待"深部"生产力和"表层"生产力的重要性.LGM热带西太平洋LDM的高生产力状况与风尘硅输入的E. rex勃发条件以及还原的沉积环境相一致.      

鲁西北西向断裂系晚中生代活动的几何学、运动学及年代学研究

鲁西隆起区发育有大量的北西向脆性断裂。依据野外断裂构造的几何学、运动学详细解析认为,北西向断裂系经历了早期的右行压剪、右行张剪,以及后期的左行压剪等不同性质的构造活动。由与北西向断裂活动相伴生的同期侵入岩体的 K-Ar测试结果分析,北西向断裂系在距今约160 Ma及距今130~110 Ma分别经历了右行压剪与右行张剪构造活动;通过分布在隆起区不同样品的磷灰石裂变径迹数据分析、冷却史反演,厘定鲁西地体在距今90~80 Ma存在一次区域性快速冷却构造事件,该构造事件与北西向断裂系的左行压剪构造活动相对应。     

Biostratigraphy of the Garau Formation (Berriasian?–lower Cenomanian) in central part of Lurestan zone,northwest of Zagros,Iran

Deposition of organic rich black shales and dark gray argillaceous limestones in the Berriasian–Turonian interval has been documented in many parts of the world. Northwest of Zagros, Iran (Lurestan zone), thin bedded black shales and marls, dark gray argillaceous limestones and fissile limestone layers, having bitumen, of the Garau Formation are deposited. For biostratigraphic studies two stratigraphic sections including one surface section (Kuzaran) and one subsurface section (Naft well) were selected, respectively. In this study, 61 foraminiferal species belonging to 17 genera have been identified, and 12 biozones were recognized. Based on fossils distribution and biozones identification, the age of the Garau Formation is Berriasian?–early Cenomanian. In addition, the micropalaeontological study demonstrated a variety of widespread morphological changes in planktonic foraminifera assemblages (e.g., the elongation of the final chambers, appearance of twin chambers in the last whorl). These changes coincide with deposition of argillaceous limestones and marls rich in organic matter, indicating oceanic anoxic events. On this basis, three oceanic anoxic events such as OAE1a, OAE1b and OAE1d were recognized in Naft well section and two (OAE1b and OAE1d) in Kuzaran section.     

Amino acids and hexosamines in the Hess Rise core during the past 220,000 years

Core sediment samples collected from the Hess Rise, North Pacific, were analyzed for 20 common amino acids (AA) and two hexosamines (HA) to understand the relation between glacial–interglacial variations and deposition/preservation of sedimentary organic matter (OM). The sediments are predominantly carbonaceous (carbonates 35–80%). AA-based parameters—aspartic acid/glycine ratio and serine+threonine relative mole content—suggest that calcareous plankton was the major source of OM in these sediments. This inference is supported by the similarity in distribution patterns of AA and HA contents with that of organic carbon. Low values of AA/HA and glucosamine/galactosamine ratios (average 4.4 and 1.1, respectively) imply that much of the planktonic OM was replaced by microbial OM. The relative molar concentration of two nonprotein AA (β-alanine and γ-aminobutyric acid) varied with age of sediments; i.e., they were less abundant in recent sediments and more abundant in the oldest sediments. This trend is an indicator of extremely slow but continuous enzymatic degradation of proteinaceous OM within the sediments. So far, bulk OM has been believed to be one of the best proxies for estimation of primary productivity. However, it may be an underestimate, even for the late Quaternary sediments. Comparison of AA and HA content variations with SPECMAP stack revealed their enhanced deposition and preservation during glacial periods relative to interglacial periods. This, in turn, affected not only the planktonic production in surface waters but also the benthic community, including bacteria on the seafloor.     

Sources and composition of organic matter for bacterial growth in a large European river floodplain system (Danube, Austria)

Dissolved and particulate organic matter (DOM and POM) distribution, lignin phenol signatures, bulk elemental compositions, fluorescence indices and microbial plankton (algae, bacteria, viruses) in a temperate river floodplain system were monitored from January to November 2003. We aimed to elucidate the sources and compositions of allochthonous and autochthonous organic matter (OM) in the main channel and a representative backwater in relation to the hydrological regime. Additionally, bacterial secondary production was measured to evaluate the impact of organic carbon source on heterotrophic prokaryotic productivity. OM properties in the backwater tended to diverge from those in the main channel during phases without surface water connectivity; this was likely enhanced due to the exceptionally low river discharge in 2003. The terrestrial OM in this river floodplain system was largely derived from angiosperm leaves and grasses, as indicated by the lignin phenol composition. The lignin signatures exhibited significant seasonal changes, comparable to the seasonality of plankton-derived material. Microbially-derived material contributed significantly to POM and DOM, especially during periods of low discharge. High rates of bacterial secondary production (up to 135 μg C L(-1) d(-1)) followed algal blooms and suggested that autochthonous OM significantly supported heterotrophic microbial productivity.     

Glacial–interglacial productivity and environmental changes in Lake Biwa,Japan: A sediment core study of organic carbon,chlorins and biomarkers

Temporal changes in paleoproductivity of Lake Biwa (Japan) over the past 32 kyr have been studied by analyzing bulk organic carbon and photosynthetic pigments (chlorins) in the BIW95-5 core. Primary productivity was estimated on the assumption of C/N_org values of 8 for autochthonous organic matter (OM) and 25 for allochthonous OM and using an equation developed for the marine environment. The estimate indicates that primary productivity ranges from 50 to 90 g C m^?2 yr^?1 in the Holocene, while it is ～60 g C m^?2 yr^?1 on average in the last glacial. Pheophytin a and pheophorbide a are the major chlorins. A downcore profile of chlorin concentration normalized to autochthonous organic carbon (OC) shows a decreasing trend. Chlorin productivity was corrected by removal of the effect of post-burial chlorin degradation. The temporal profile of chlorin productivity thereby obtained resembles that from autochthonous OC.The difference in primary productivity between the Holocene and the glacial for the lake is markedly smaller than that for Lake Baikal situated in the boreal zone. This difference between the two lakes is probably caused by the difference in their climatic conditions, such as temperature and precipitation. Precipitation at Lake Biwa is relatively large during the glacial and the Holocene because of the continuous influence of the East Asian monsoon. Lake Baikal precipitation is generally small as a result of control by the continental (Siberia) climate regime. In addition, a significant difference in productivity between the glacial and the Holocene for Lake Baikal may be essentially controlled by the hydrodynamic systems in the lake.Lake Biwa terrigenous OM input events occurred at least five times over the period 11–32 kyr BP, suggesting enhanced monsoon activity. Molecular examination of the layer with a large input of terrigenous OM during the Younger Dryas indicates that concentrations of terrigenous biomarkers such as n-C₂₇–C₃₁ alkanes, lignin phenols, cutin acids, ω-hydroxy acids and C₂₉ sterols are high, suggesting that soil OM with peat-like material entered the lake as a result of flooding. An enhanced sedimentation rate in the last 3000 years might have been partially caused by agricultural activity around the lake.     

The late Cenomanian paleoecological event (OAE 2) in the eastern Caucasus basin of Northern Peri-Tethys

The Cretaceous sections of the eastern Caucasus contain rich in organic matter (OM) sediments corresponding to the late Cenomanian Oceanic Anoxic Event 2. They are marked by positive δ¹³C and negative δ¹⁸O isotopic anomalies, which are characteristic for this level in many areas of the world. The sediments exhibit distinct cyclic patterns reflected in an alternation of black OM-rich and gray more calcareous layers. The rocks are enriched with many chemical elements, although concentrations of some of them (Mo, Se) are lower than in typical sediments of anoxic basins. It is inferred that anoxic environments in the paleobasin were unstable and locally developed. Nannofossil assemblages from OAE 2 sediments are dominated by the highly resistant eurytropic taxon Watznaueria accompanied by common cool-water Eprolithus and rare warm-water Rhagodiscus representatives, which implies the development of environments unfavorable for the normal marine nannoflora and short-term cooling in the basin during OAE 2. The OM-rich sediments were deposited against the background of the rapid eustatic transgression due to a significant increase in productivity of phytoplankton in the paleobasin. The OAE 2 duration is estimated to be approximately 400 ka.     

Organic matter and nutrients in an altered subtropical marsh system,Chiricahueto, NW Mexico

Seven sediment push-cores were extracted from Chiricahueto, a marsh affected by urban, industrial and agricultural wastes. Concentrations of total phosphorus (300-1,620 µg g^-1), organic carbon (4-39 mg g^-1) and total nitrogen (0.5-4.5 mg g^-1) in the sediments showed an exponential decrease with depth, related to the decomposition of organic matter (OM). Between 20 and 40% of OM initially deposited is degraded at the sediment-water interface under oxic conditions. Another fraction (40-60%) of non-refractory OM is decomposed within the sediments by oxidants other than oxygen. Likewise, the preservation of OM (<20%) was estimated as burial concentrations of C, N and P linked to organic compounds. The C/N ratios, '¹³C and '¹⁵N suggested that the major source of OM to the sediments derives from marine phytoplankton. The allochthonous sources of OM were overprinted by the high flux of marine autochthonous OM. However, an indirect terrestrial influence is recognised, in which high nutrient load derived from agricultural, domestic and industrial activities promoted high productivity.     

Composition and origin of organic matter in surface sediments of Lake Sarbsko: A highly eutrophic and shallow coastal lake (northern Poland)

We present an organic geochemical study of surface sediments of Lake Sarbsko, a shallow coastal lake on the middle Polish Baltic coast. The aim was to provide evidence concerning the origin of the organic matter (OM) and its compositional diversity in surface deposits of this very productive, highly dynamic water body. The content and composition of the OM in the bottom sediments were investigated at 11 sampling stations throughout the lake basin. OM sources were assigned on the basis of bulk indicators [total organic carbon (TOC), total nitrogen (TN), δ¹³C_TOC and δ¹⁵N and extractable OM yield], biomarker composition of extractable OM and compound-specific C isotope signatures. The source characterization of autochthonous compounds was verified via phytoplankton analysis. The distribution of gaseous hydrocarbons in the sediments, as well as temporal changes in lake water pH, the concentration of DIC (dissolved inorganic carbon) and δ¹³C_DIC were used to trace OM decomposition.The sedimentary OM is composed mainly of well preserved phytoplankton compounds and shows minor spatial variability in composition. However, the presence of CH₄ and CO₂ in the bottom deposits provides evidence for microbial degradation of sedimentary OM. The transformation of organic compounds in surface, bottom and pore waters via oxidative processes influences carbonate equilibrium in the lake and seasonally favours precipitation or dissolution of CaCO₃.The data enhance our understanding of the relationships between the composition of sedimentary OM and environmental conditions within coastal ecosystems and shed light on the reliability of OM proxies for environmental reconstruction of coastal lakes.