Figure 1. Conceptual model for the processes, products, and both proximate and ultimate controlling factors associated with organic matter burial in marine sediments (based on Sageman and Lyons, 2003). The major inputs are shown in boxes with bold type labels. Controlling factors are shown in italics. Large and medium scale arrows represent fluxes of key components involved in sedimentation and the biogeochemical cycles of carbon, sulfur, and oxygen. Thin arrows illustrate relationships between major controlling factors and depositional processes and/or feedbacks. Dashed thin arrows apply to major nutrient fluxes only. Dotted thin arrows apply to major authigenic fluxes only.