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Deltaic Sedimentation
Lecture 14
Reading Assignment: Boggs, 5th edition, pp. 246-260
energy,
- Deltas formation is a balance between climate, water and slope of the shelf, area
of drainage basin, sediment input, winds, sediment supply, wave
tidal energy
- There are 3 types of deltas (Galloways classification system):
Fluvial-dominated, wave-dominated and tide-dominated
- Within each type: grain size (mud-sand-gravel content) further distinguishes
deltas
2) Tide-dominated deltas
- Form when tidal currents are stronger than river flow
- Usually occur where tidal range is high
See Figure 9.7 From Boggs, 5th edition, p. 252
- Ex: Ganges- Bramaputra delta
- Currents are bi-directional (tides go in and out)
- Creates a network of linear longitudinal bars at channel mouth: tidal ridges
- Occurs with high sand input (more bedload)
- Fluvial facies (delta plain) may look braided
- Bars are oriented parallel to direction of tidal flow
See Figure 9.16 from Boggs, 4th edition, p. 305
- An example from the rock record
3) Wave-dominated delta
- River flow is decelerated rapidly by strong waves
- A high energy environment
- Sediment is dumped in a narrow mound near river mouth (doesn't build out) =
arcuate delta form
See Figure 9.8 from Boggs, 4th edition, p. 298
- Delta sediment is moved downshore by longshore drift
- Ex: Brazos (Texas), Sao Francisco (Brazil)
- Bar forms are parallel to shore (perpendicular to river flow)
- Forms a series of parallel beach ridges as delta builds outward
- Interdistributary muds are rare
See Figure 9.15 from Boggs, 5th edition, p. 258
- An example from the rock record
4) Mixed process deltas
- Many deltas are not limited to one type of sedimentation: a mix of processes
occurs
- Ex: Copper River, Alaska: tide and wave processes are both active
See Figure 9.9 from Boggs, 4th edition, p. 299
D) Fan deltas:
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