Oxygen organic matter preservation

Due to the variability in redox conditions commonly found in nearshore systems, the term diagenetic oxygen exposure time was proposed as an indicator for organic matter preservation based on the amount of time sinking POM resides in the oxic porewaters of sediments. 

Keil R. G. and Cowie G. L. (1999) Organic matter preservation through the oxygen-deficient zone of the NE Arabian Sea as discerned by organic carbon mineral surface area ratios. Mar. Geol. 161, 13-22. 

The most direct field evidence that the extent of sedimentary organic matter preservation is affected by exposure to bottom-water oxygen comes from oxidation fronts in deepsea turbidites of various ages and depositional settings (Wilson et al., 1985 Weaver and Rothwell, 1987). One of these deposits in which the timing of the exposure to oxic and anoxic conditions is well documented, is the relict f-turbidite from the Madeira abyssal plain (MAP) —700 km offshore... 

Pederson, T.F., G.B. Shimmield, and N.B. Price. 1992. Lack of enhanced preservation of organic matter in sediments under the oxygen minimum of the Oman Margin. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta 56 545-551... 

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