Sedimentation and organic carbon data from Lake Melville, Labrador

Our main objectives were to investigate the sediment and organic matter deposition to Lake Melville and to quantify inputs and outputs through the system by developing contemporary budgets of sediment and particulate organic matter. Through the analysis of both natural (Pb-210, δ13C, organic carbon (OC) content) and anthropogenically derived Cs-137 in sediment cores, an understanding of previous environmental conditions can be achieved. Knowledge of these processes is essential to identify fundamental processes involved in the transfer of material from the watershed to the open ocean and to interpret the most sensitive processes that are likely to change in the future as a result of hydrological or climatic changes. Particulate matter collected from major tributaries and throughout Lake Melville and coastal waters in June 2013 and October 2014 were analysed for OC content and δ13C. This data contributes to the understanding and quantification of terrigenous and marine derived organic matter to the system.