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A delta is a large low lying tract of alluvial deposits formed mostly at the mouth of a river.
Formation of a delta
As the river enters the sea from a flood plain, its velocity is greatly reduced due to stagnant sea water.
The heavier load is deposited immediately the river enters the sea while the lighter load is carried into the water.
The much finer particles are deposited when the river water mixes with sea water through the process of coagulation.
As the materials accumulate, that part of the sea becomes shallower. Soon the area is colonised by plants which make it swampy but more firm.
The plants trap alluvium in times of floods. The rivers form raised river banks and bed making the channel narrower.
When the river bursts through its banks, it divides up to form distributaries. Distributaries spread the river deposits forming the delta.
Faimus answered the question on January 6, 2018 at 14:40
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