Words / B2

DELT-uh/ˈdeltə/

A delta is a low area of land where a river splits into several streams as it meets the sea: a river delta; the Nile Delta. An estuary is a tidal river mouth, not always split; distributary is a branch. Map the delta on the OS extract, then the named distributary. Mix-up: delta vs data; the Greek letter Δ or a change in maths — use those only if the source is algebra; do not write delta for a single straight river mouth with no split.

Meaning

A low area of land where a river splits into several streams as it meets the sea.

Examples

• “Map the delta on the OS extract, then the named distributary, the geography paper said.”
• “Delta sediment featured in the deposition case, which is still a named landform — quote the area if given.”

Good to know

a river delta; the Nile / Ganges Delta. Contrast: estuary. Maths sense: Δ. Trap: data / a straight mouth with no split. Geography. Land at a splitting river mouth — map the distributaries.

Near in meaning

river mouth, alluvial fan (contrast), distributary land

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