Terrestrial and marine n-alcohol inputs and degradation processes relating to a sudden turbidity current in the Zaire canyon

n-Alcohol biomarkers from sediment trap samples collected during a turbiditic event and surficial sediments on a levee of the Zaire canyon (Equatorial West African margin), one of the world’s largest and still very active deep sea fans, were examined. The initial goal was to study the benthic ecosystem in relation to organic matter inputs, as the quantity and quality might influence its development. Two criteria were used: the relative abundance of short (C22) n-alcohols derived from marine organisms and higher plants, respectively, and the ratio of odd to even carbon numbered C22 n-alcohols, respectively.