Determining Organic and Carbonate Content in Sediments

Abstract

Total carbon within soils and sediments is composed of organic and inorganic forms. Humus and other plant remains constitute the organic carbon fraction, whereas carbonate minerals, mainly calcite and aragonite, comprise the inorganic fraction. There are three main approaches (techniques) for measuring these components in geomorphology: physical, chemical, and relative. The choice of technique depends on the accuracy required for the study. Many of the techniques are now automated, thus allowing for rapid quantification of both organic and carbonate components of materials in the landscape. © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.