Abstract
Earth surface sedimentary processes involve the conversion of energy from tidal friction, geothermal heat release, and solar radiation. However, the net power consumption by sediment dynamic processes has received little attention, despite its relevance to the scale and evolution of sedimentary systems. This study aims to integrate the production rates and net power information, associated with rock weathering, biogenic sedimentation (organic particle, biogenic reef, and carbonate detrital sedimentation), continental shelf and coastal sedimentation (estuary and delta, sandy and gravel beach, and tidal flat sedimentation), and deep-sea sedimentation (sediment gravity flow, contour current, and pelagic-hemipelagic sedimentation). The results indicate that, although the oceans currently contain more than half of the global sediment mass, the net power consumed by various sedimentation processes represents only a minute fraction of the total power from their respective energy sources. This can be explained by macroscopic patterns of energy balance, limitations imposed by rock weathering and ecosystem spatial constraints, and the time scales of sedimentary cycling. Moreover, the total volume and temporal evolution of Earth's sediment are controlled by sediment production and removal processes, with the sedimentary record likely reaching its maximum extent, and the majority of sedimentary records having disappeared from surface environments. These analyses highlight a series of scientific questions that require further investigation, such as the energy conversion processes of weathering and biogenic activities, variations and adjustability of sedimentation power budgets, and changes in the completeness of sedimentary records over time.