Morphodynamic Modeling of River-Dominated Deltas: A Review and Future Perspectives

Abstract

River-dominated deltas on Earth are composed of diverse shapes and patterns, ranging from small-scale bifurcations that create channel networks to large-scale deltaic lobes that build deltaic plains. Morphodynamic feedbacks among fluid flow, sediment transport, and bed elevation change are ultimately responsible for creating these shapes and patterns, and understanding how this morphodynamic feedback constructs deltaic landscapes will contribute to developing sustainable solutions for threatened deltaic environments. In this review, we explore what morphodynamic modeling approaches are commonly used to understand how deltas grow. We also explore what the community has learned by using these models and highlight key knowledge gaps to inspire new models and new questions about river-dominated deltas.

Additional details