Marginal marine particulate organic carbon flux and δ13C responds to global warming at the Paleocene-Eocene boundary A) Accumulation of particulate organic matter (POM) on the continental shelf of New Jersey increases dramatically during the Paleocene-Eocene thermal maximum (PETM). B) δ13C values of the POM closely track changes in carbonate δ13C, indicating the input of new, fresh material throughout the event. C) The POM is primarily charcoal of terrestrial origin. Fluxes of land-derived carbon to these ocean sediments dramatically increased as climate warmed, perhaps drawing down atmospheric CO2 and stabilizing climate. A B PETM C