The impact of oxic degradation on long chain alkyl diol distributions in Arabian Sea surface sediments

Oxygen exposure has a large impact on lipid biomarker preservation in surface sediments and may affectthe application of organic proxies used for reconstructing past environmental conditions. To determineits effect on long chain alkyl diol and keto-ol based proxies, the distributions of these lipids was studiedin nine surface sediments from the Murray Ridge in the Arabian Sea obtained from varying water depths(900–3000 m) but in close lateral proximity and, therefore, likely receiving a similar particle flux. Due tosubstantial differences in bottom water oxygen concentration (