Deltas: the fertile dustbins of the continents

Deltas and their associated deep-water submarine fans are the main repositories of sediment produced by continental erosion. The internal structure of prograding deltas is often complicated by changes in loci of deposition and changes in land-sea levels during their formation. The high water content and rapid deposition cause syn-sedimentary deformation. Deltas have been inhabited by man throughout history due to their rich surface resources. Ancient deltas are rich in hydrocarbons which are widely exploited. They are very sensitive to changes in the hinterland and today their existence is threatened by anthropogenic actions such as dam construction and sea-level changes. (c) 2011 The Geologists' Association. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.