Dissolved organic carbon (DOC) was determined in pore water extracted from pelagic and hemipelagic sediments recovered during Leg 113. DOC concentration varied between 1.82 and 13.6 mg C/L which is one to two orders of magnitude less than previously reported for hemipelagic sediments. It is argued that this difference is related to differences in the intensity of degradation of organic matter. As a first approximation it is found that in reducing sediments, the level of DOC is proportional to the intensity of sulfate reduction. It is suggested that DOC is formed by different mechanisms in oxic and reducing environments.

Supplement to: Egeberg, Per Kristian; Abdullah, Mohamed I (1990): The diagenetic factors controlling the dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in pore water from deep sea sediments (ODP Leg 113, Weddell Sea). In: Barker, PF; Kennett, JP; et al. (eds.), Proceedings of the Ocean Drilling Program, Scientific Results, College Station, TX (Ocean Drilling Program), 113, 169-177