Assessing first?order BQART estimates for ancient source?to?sink mass budget calculations

Constraining the timing and volume of sediment dispersal in an ancient sedimentary system is vital to understand a basin's infill history. One preferred method for first-order approximation load estimates, BQART model, based on empirical observations modern river systems relating basin morphology, topography, climate, run-off bedrock characteristics. Despite popularity such methods, comprehensive assessment validity using measure geological timescales lacking. Here, we investigate uncertainties, sensitivities practicalities surrounding use general model particular, evaluate loads. Although catchment area relief are least constrained parameters system, temperature parameter may have even more significant impact range predicted estimates approach. The applicability most suitable regional continental scale source-to-sink that robust paleogeographic paleoclimatic models cold (<2°C) or warm temperate (>8°C) climates. further needs consider high amplitude discharge events can dominate stratigraphic record which not captured by historical over 30-year period. In addition, our limited understanding bedload material transport unknown pristine environment Anthropocene reduce reliability ancient. Mass budget deep time relationships thus provide within order magnitude but need limitations imposed extrapolating present framework suitability mass analyses.