What is the general shape of a river delta?
a) Circular
b) Triangular
c) Square
d) Rectangular
vinuthan Changed status to publish
Answer: b) Triangular
Explanation
- Triangular Shape: The term delta comes from the uppercase Greek letter Delta ($\Delta$), which is triangular in shape.
- Formation Mechanism: As a river reaches its mouth, its velocity decreases sharply upon entering a standing body of water (like a sea or lake). The river drops its heavy load of silt and sediment, which splits the main channel into multiple distributaries that fan outward, creating a broad triangular alluvial deposit.
Major Types of River Delta Shapes
| Delta Type | Characteristic Shape | Famous Example |
| Arcuate Delta | Fan-like or triangular convex shape | Nile Delta, Sundarbans Delta |
| Bird’s-Foot Delta | Long, finger-like projections along channels | Mississippi River Delta |
| Cuspate Delta | Tooth-shaped with straight, pointed sides | Tiber River Delta (Italy) |
vinuthan Changed status to publish
