Describe how a delta forms.

Deltas form where rivers transporting sediment enter a calmer body of water such as a lake or sea and there is a decrease in the energy of the system. The reduction in energy of the flow causes the sediment to settle out of the flow and it is deposited on the lake/sea floor at the river mouth. This process continues and gradually a delta will grow out into the body of water as layer after layer of sediment builds up. There are various types of delta that can form dependent on wether they are, wave, tide or river dominated. 

BW

Related Geology A Level answers

All answers ▸

Which tectonic settings experience earthquakes?


Explain the features and differences between the icehouse and the greenhouse effect?


What are some hypotheses to explain the Permo-Triassic mass extinction? (when 95% of marine invertebrates and 77% of land species became extinct)


What is the difference between a natural resource and an economic reserve?