Pattern Forming Forces in Deltas

The distinctive accretion pattern in the deltas of the world would appear to be controlled by forces associated with the river system, the receiving mass of water and the climate of catchment and delta region. An examination of these variables has been carried out by a regression analysis, from which predictive equations indicate their degree of influence. For this purpose, separate deltaic features were tested individually and in combination against the independent variables supplying the material and conditions for deposition. The resultant equations were found to confirm many known generalizations regarding delta formation and to highlight a few which have not been stressed in the literature previously.