Cold Seeps and Coral Reefs in Northern Norway: Carbon Cycling in Marine Ecosystems With Coexisting Features

Abstract

Cold seeps and cold-water corals (CWCs) coexist on Northern Norway's continental shelf at the Hola trough between Lofoten and Vesterålen. Here, cold seeps release methane from the seabed, yet none reaches the sea surface. Instead, the methane dissolves and disperses in the ocean where it is ultimately consumed by methane-oxidizing microorganisms. These microorganisms metabolize methane and release carbon dioxide and dissolved organic matter (DOM), which may impact the biogeochemical habitat of CWCs in close vicinity of cold seeps. We investigated the biogeochemistry of carbon, carbon isotopes, nutrients, DOM compositions, and microbial diversity in the water column. Our results indicated that dissolved inorganic carbon concentrations were 29% higher near cold seeps with modified carbon's isotopic compositions. The hydrophysical parameters and surface-to-bottom control of sinking particles mainly govern water column productivity and nutrient cycle. DOM compositions implied that the seep-associated microbiomes modify DOM's chemical diversity and isotopic composition at CWCs and the entire water column near cold seeps. Cold seeps and CWCs coexist in Northern Norway's continental shelves; however, enhanced water temperatures and consequent increase in methane release at cold seeps may modify the carbon cycling in the area, which could mitigate the ecological role and functioning of CWC reefs in the future.