Rhone Delta Flashcards
(5 cards)
what type of coastline and delta is Rhone Delta?
Low energy coastline and an arcuate delta
Why is Rhone Delta a low energy coastline?
winds are extremely weak (NW is dominant but weak wind) and short fetches from all sides (900 km max) - due to Mediterranean being enclosed
Formation of Rhone Delta
formed over the last 7000 years but began taking shape in the 18th century
flood moved course of the river, causing a spit to form, and human management which reduced the number of channels from 3 to 1
low energy waves due to short fetches
Landforms and Landscape systems at the Rhone Delta
Onshore bars, spits and lagoons (etangs) due to longshore drift
sloping, gentle beaches with dunes
Deposition rates at 17 million m3/year - flocculation and low tidal rages help with this
Delta is split into 4 cells
Changes over time to the Rhone Delta
seasons changing rates of deposition
Global warming is increasing sea levels, engulfing parts of the delta but also increasing erosion due to storms
Human management such as groynes will decrease LSD levels and stop landforms from forming
