River deltas are dynamic landforms at river mouths, crucial for global ecosystems and human civilization. Shaped by sediment deposition, they support immense...
A river delta is a landform created at the mouth of a river where its current slows and deposits sediment as it enters a larger body of water, such as an ocean, sea, or lake.
Deltas form when a river carries sediment downstream and releases it into a standing body of water. As the river's flow energy decreases, it can no longer transport the sediment, which then settles and gradually builds up new land.
River deltas are incredibly important due to their fertile soils, supporting rich agricultural practices, and their diverse ecosystems that host numerous species. They also provide natural flood protection and are home to millions of people globally.
Major threats include sea-level rise, land subsidence (sinking), reduced sediment supply from upstream dams, pollution, and increased human development, all contributing to erosion and land loss.