Deltas at risk

Deltas often form when rivers reach the sea.

The river can carry sand and mud when it is flowing fast.

As the water enters the sea, it slows down, and the sediment drops to make the delta.


Many deltas are at risk from climate change.   This map shows the levels of risk.

 

 By 2015, an estimated 80 percent of the world's megacities will be located in fragile river deltas.   A megacity has a population of over 10 million people.

A total over over 500 million people live on deltas.

Why are deltas at risk?

One reason is that rivers are carrying less mud and sand.

The deltas are sinking without new layers being formed.

Another reason is rising sea level, which wears away the delta from the front.

Deltas are an example of the complex processes that happen along coastlines.

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