A quantitative model for the sedimentary rock cycle

A steady-state quantitative model for the sedimentary rock cycle is presented. The cycling of 11 major elements through the oceanic, atmospheric, biospheric, and rock reservoirs is shown. Flux rates are based on the estimated average geologic rates of transfer; the total flux of material through the oceans is about 1/3 that of today. The model is consistent with current estimates of the chemical composition of the average dissolved and suspended loads of streams, with the present-day composition of the oceans, that of the average sedimentary rock, and that of the average composition of precipitation. The mean residence time of the major elements in the cycle is about 400 million years; estimates are given for the cycling times of the individual elements.