What is the Difference Between Delta and Estuary

Answer: The difference between delta and estuary is that the delta is defined as the point where the river meets a sea or ocean and melts into it. The sediments are dropped and it forms a low triangular area of alluvial deposits at the shoreline. Estuaries form in the places where the ocean water floods up into the river valley. The sediments accumulate in the river valley.

• Definition- Delta is a triangular-shaped fertile area which contains alluvial deposits. An estuary is an area where freshwater comes in contact with the saltwater of seas.
• Formation- Delta is formed when rivers fail to carry the sediments due to decreased current of motion. An estuary is formed by a tidal bore as it erodes riverbed and carries fertile soil to sea.
• Types- The types of the delta are Bird’s foot, cuspate and arcuate. The types of estuaries are coastal plain estuaries, tectonic estuaries and fjord estuaries.
• Fertility- A delta is extremely fertile with alluvial deposits as compared to an estuary which is not very fertile.
• Place of formation– Delta is formed in regions that have low tides and coastal plants, while estuary is formed where there are rift valleys and high tides.
• Habitation and Agriculture- Deltas are flood-prone areas but still it is very suitable for agriculture as it has fertile sediments. Estuary does not support much agriculture but is found to be good for the wildlife ecosystem.
• Example of delta- Ganges delta and Mahanadi delta
• Examples of estuary- Baga Creek and Kayamkulam Kayal.