Difference Between Delta and Alluvial FAngreenspun.com : LUSENET : Introductory Geology, Oswego State : One Thread |
What is the difference between a delta and a alluvial fan?
-- Teng Lee (tlee2@oswego.edu), November 20, 2002
A delta forms when a river empties into a larger body of water. An alluvial fan forms on land where a river emerges from a mountainous area and flows out onto a more gently sloping plain. The decrease in slope causes the river to decelerate and deposit sediment, forming an alluvial fan.
-- Sharon Gabel (gabel@oswego.edu), December 16, 2002.