INVESTIGATING ORGANIC CARBON BURIAL IN COASTAL SETTINGS OF EAST-SOUTHEAST ASIA
Clay minerals are thought to boost long-term organic carbon (OC) burial through mineral-organic binding. Yet, their exact sequestration capacity and long-term stability remain unclear. Here, we investigate the role of clay mineral assemblages in OC burial in subtropical-tropical mangrove systems in Hong Kong and Palawan (Philippines), where high sedimentation rates and reactive mineral fluxes may amplify carbon stabilization processes. By combining sediment facies analysis, grain size measurements, X-ray Diffraction, and carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes, we reconstruct depositional settings, characterize clay-OC interactions, and trace organic carbon sources. Our findings will help to refine predictions of mangrove carbon sink resilience and reinterpret mineral-climate feedbacks in Earth’s history.
Additional information: Miss QIN Yonghui, u3009852@connect.hku.hk