%0 journal article
%@ 1726-4170
%A Holstein, J.M., Wirtz, K.W.

%D 2010
%J Biogeosciences
%N 11
%P 3741-3753 
%R doi:10.5194/bg-7-3741-2010
%T Organic matter accumulation and degradation in subsurface coastal sediments: a model-based comparison of rapid sedimentation and aquifer transport
%U https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-7-3741-2010
11 
%X We found that both scenarios, advection and sedimentation, had solutions consistent with the observed pore water profiles. For this specific site, however, advective transport of particulate material had to be rejected since the reconstructed boundary conditions were rather improbable. In the alternative deposition set-up, model simulations suggested the deposition of the source OM about 60 yrs before cores were taken. A mean sedimentation rate of approximately 2 cm yr−1 indicates substantial changes in near coast tidal flat morphology, since sea level rise is at a much lower pace. High sedimentation rates most probably reflect the progradation of flats within the study area. These or similar morphodynamic features also occur in other coastal areas so that inverted redox succession by horizontal or vertical transport may be more common than previously thought. Consequently, regional values for OM remineralization rates may be higher than predicted from surface biogeochemistry.