An appraisal of importance of denudation and sedimentation processes in the formation of the Earth's global relief

Abstract

The average rates of denudation over the whole land surface and on every continent, together with average rates of sedimentation on the land plains and ocean bottom have been calculated on the basis of geomorphological and geological-geophysical data. The average rates of denudation are: on the whole land – 0.082 mm/year, on platformian plains – 0.035 mm/year, in,-mountains – 0.17 mm/year. Average rates of sedimentation on continental platforms amount to 0.007 to 0.018 mm/year, on continental margins and transition zones - about 0.03 mm/year, on the ocean bottom – 0.011 mm/year.