A delta is a feature of deposition, located at the mouth of a river as it enters a sea or lake. It is called a delta after the river Nile's Arcuate delta, which shares a resemblance for the greek symbol delta (Δ). Deposition occurs as the velocity and sediment-carrying capacity of the river decreases on entering the lake or sea, as bedload and suspended material are dumped. flocculation occurs as fresh water mixes with seawater and clay particles coagulate due to chemical reaction. The clay settles on the river bed.

Types of Delta

Arcuate

Bird's foot

Cuspate Delta

 

EXAMPLES

• River Tiber, Italy - Cuspate Delta
• River Nile, Egypt - Arcuate Delta
• River Mississippi, USA - Birdsfoot Delta