Figure 1

Lake-basin-type phase diagram showing existence and character of non-marine strata in general and lacustrine strata in particular as a function of both sediment+water supply and potential accommodation. Interaction of these two controls is reflected in the lithology, stratal stacking, biota, and geochemistry of lake deposits. Potential accommodation is the space available for sediment accumulation below the basin's outlet or spillpoint (a key difference from marine systems; Carroll and Bohacs, 1995); it is mainly influenced by basin tectonics, along with sill uplift and erosion, and inherited topography. Sediment+water supply is primarily a function of climatic humidity, along with seasonality, local relief, and bedrock geology. (Clastic sediment yield is a non-linear, non-monotonic function of climatic factors, generally peaking in semi-arid, distinctly seasonal climates-- Einsele, 1992)