InTeGrate Modules and Courses >Coastal Processes, Hazards and Society > Student Materials > Module 3: Coastal Systems: Landscapes and Processes > Deltaic Coasts > Delta Morphologies and Driving Processes
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These materials are part of a collection of classroom-tested modules and courses developed by InTeGrate. The materials engage students in understanding the earth system as it intertwines with key societal issues. The collection is freely available and ready to be adapted by undergraduate educators across a range of courses including: general education or majors courses in Earth-focused disciplines such as geoscience or environmental science, social science, engineering, and other sciences, as well as courses for interdisciplinary programs.
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Initial Publication Date: December 7, 2016

Delta Morphologies and Driving Processes

Variations in delta morphology tell us something about the processes that cause and drive the evolution of deltaic environments. Globally it is widely accepted that there are three end member morphologies of deltas that reflect the relative influence of wave energy and tidal energy in the receiving basin or sediment input by the source river into the receiving basin. On a ternary plot, these three end members each represent one apex of the plot and all deltas fall somewhere on this plot (Figure 3.29). Deltas that are primarily the result of high rates of sediment input tend to be elongated because of their rapid outbuilding associated with high rates of deposition into the receiving basin (Figure 3.30). Wave influenced deltas have smooth, often arcuate shorelines with numerous ridges that reflect the longshore transport of river-delivered sediment by the high wave energy (Figure 3.31). Tidally influenced deltas have numerous shoreline perpendicular tidal passes and tributaries with sediment bodies aligned parallel to the direction of tidal exchange (Figure 3.32).

These materials are part of a collection of classroom-tested modules and courses developed by InTeGrate. The materials engage students in understanding the earth system as it intertwines with key societal issues. The collection is freely available and ready to be adapted by undergraduate educators across a range of courses including: general education or majors courses in Earth-focused disciplines such as geoscience or environmental science, social science, engineering, and other sciences, as well as courses for interdisciplinary programs.
Explore the Collection »