1. n. [Geology]

The relative kinetic energy of the environment. A high-energy environment might consist of a rapidly flowing stream that is capable of carrying coarse-grained sediments, such as gravel and sand. Sedimentation in a low-energy environment, such as an abyssal plain, usually involves very fine-grained clay or mud. Depositional energy is not simply velocity. For example, although glaciers do not move quickly, they are capable of carrying large boulders.

See related terms: abyssal,  depositional environment,  sediment,  sorting