Allochthonous contribution to seasonal and spatial variability of organic matter sedimentation in a deep oligotrophic lake (Lake Constance)

Abstract

Previous studies analysing the chemical composition of profundal sediments of Lake Constance suggest a overall large contribution of allochthonous material to total sedimentation but also a large spatial variability in the relative importance of allochthonous versus autochthonous sedimentation. Here we analyse sedimenting particulate organic matter (POM sed) during an annual cycle at two sites differing in their position relative to the major inflow and thus in their proposed contribution of allochthonous matter to the sedimentary flux, i.e., site [AL] characterised by a more allochthonous contribution und the site [AU] characterised by a more autochthonous contribution.