The Delta’s Formation
Stage 1
Stage 2
Stage 3
In the old age of the river Ganges, it is
carrying a large quantity of sediment
and all the rivers energy is used to
transport it. As it approaches the sea
it’s speed reduces and deposition takes
place. The heaviest material is dropped
first. These form islands and the river
begins to braid around these islands.
Over time more and more sediment is
deposited and the river floods these
islands. The islands on the delta become
swampy and only water loving plants will
grow. The soil is very fertile and often
people try to reclaim the land to grow
crops, but they run the risk of being
flooded. Deltas are at the mouth of
rivers, where the river meets the sea,
the water is always brackish and plants
need to tolerate salt.
The sediment continues to be deposited
and vegetation continues to grow.
Islands of dry land emerge and some
are inhabited. The delta is never a
stable area although people do try to
tame it, the channels are constantly
moving. This causes the inhabitants
some heart-ache as crops are lost and
houses are destroyed.