A generic hierarchical model of organic matter degradation and preservation in aquatic systems

Abstract Organic matter degradation and preservation are crucial components of Earth’s carbon cycle. Empirical phenomenological models usually contain parameters determined by site-specific data focus on different aspects the decay accretion characteristics. To investigate more fundamental mechanisms, this study suggests a hierarchical model that links microscopic physical quantities to macroscopic patterns. This mechanistic predicts several commonly observed phenomena, including lognormal distribution rate constants, recalcitrance-dependent sensitivity temperature, dependence heterogeneous organic-matter system’s persistence its complexity, logarithmic-time decay, power-law behavior. The theoretical predictions consistent with observational from marine lake environments. may provide step towards theory organic in aquatic other ecosystems.