Deltas | riverdeltas

What is a Delta?

Deltas are wetlands that form as a rivers empties its water and sediment into another body of water, for example another river, lake or ocean. This sediment material is being deposited faster than it is being removed. Less common deltas are ones that empty onto land. Not all rivers form deltas. For deltas to form a rivers flow must reduce in velocity and be steady enough for silt to be deposited and build up (National Geographic Education).

Deltas are very diverse and ecologically important ecosystems, they are important for many different reasons. For example they can absorb the runoff from floods and storms. Deltas are also able to filter water as it makes its way through the distributary network so it can reduce the impact of pollution from flowing upstream. There are many plants like lilies and hibiscus which grow in deltas, also herbs like worts which are often used in traditional medicines all grow in delta environments. Additionally to many different plant species there are also indigenous animals to the shallow shifting waters of deltas. Fish, crustaceans, birds, insects and even large animals like tigers and bears can be a part of a deltas ecosystem (National Geographic Education).

There are many factors which influence on the formation of deltas.

For Example:

Amount and type of sediment that is available
Volume of water discharged from the river
Coastal geometry
Coastal processes
Changes in the coast level
The growth of vegetation