River Deltas of the World : a baseline and changes

Coincident with the launching of the Earth Observing System is the accumulation of over 21 years of earth observations by the Landsat borne 30m resolution of the multispectral Thematic Mapper. This archival record encompasses two decades of change on these dynamic land forms. The objective of this project is to assemble this valuable Landsat imagery into a global scale geomorphological reconnaissance of deltaic conditions, and their evolution, over the last two decades. The temporal and spatial patterns of change provide clues to the important processes of deltaic evolution, valuable for future planning and development.

Deltas are strategically important for their deposits of fertile soil, living estuary and marine resources, huge oil and gas reserves, richness of its living and fossil fuels, navigable waterways, harbors, fresh water sources, and places of desireable living and industrial development. In addition to having rich environments that support much human activity, deltas contain zones of coastal hazards and disasters. They include floods from the landward side plus storm surges and wave attacks from the seaward side.

Example Delta Types:

    Hydrodynamic Delta Types                     Geomorphic Delta Types