A Literature Analysis of Coastal Zone Carbon Cycle Research Based on Knowledge Graphs

Abstract

This paper conducts a comprehensive literature analysis of coastal zone carbon cycle research utilizing CiteSpace software to visualize the intellectual structure and evolution of the field from 1999 to 2025. The study categorizes various coastal ecosystems into 12 groups, examining 12,460 documents sourced from the Web of Science databases. The analysis reveals publication dynamics, identifies key publication types, and maps the research topics and cooperation network of participating countries, with a particular focus on the United States and China as leading contributors. The paper also highlights influential authors and thematic clusters within the literature, such as dissolved organic matter, blue carbon, and ocean acidification. The analysis provides a systematic overview of the coastal carbon cycle research field, informing future research directions and policy decisions related to coastal carbon management and climate change mitigation strategies. The study concludes that while significant advancements have been made, there are still considerable gaps and challenges that need to be addressed, emphasizing the potential of coastal ecosystems in mitigating climate change and promoting sustainable development.