Chapter 14: Problem 21

Describe the Ganges River delta. What factors upstream explain its form and pattern? Assess the consequences of settlement on this delta.

Short Answer

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The Ganges Delta, world's largest delta, located in Southern Asia, is characterized by its network of distributaries and rich fertile soil. Its form and pattern are determined by several upstream factors including the immense volume of water and sediment discharged by the Ganges and Brahmaputra Rivers, seasonal monsoon floods, and alluvial basin's geological structure. The human settlement has benefited from the fertile soil for agriculture but has also caused environmental degradation and made the region increasingly vulnerable to natural disasters and climate change impacts.

Step by step solution

Describing the Ganges River Delta

The Ganges River Delta, also known as the Bengal Delta, is the world's largest delta. It covers more than 105,000 square kilometers. It is located in the South Asian region, primarily spreading across Bangladesh and the Indian state of West Bengal. The delta is characterized by a vast network of distributaries (1,026, according to the UNEP) and is acclaimed for its supremely fertile soil which is commensurate to the dense population it supports.

Explaining the factors upstream

Several factors upstream account for the form and pattern of the Ganges River Delta. Predominantly, the gargantuan volume of water and sediment discharged by the Ganges and Brahmaputra Rivers -approximately 1.6 billion tons of sediment per year — accounts for the vast size and unique formation of the delta. Seasonal monsoon floods, typical to the region, contribute substantially to its expansion and dynamic nature. Also, the geological structure of the alluvial basin defined by the Himalayas and the Indian peninsular plate play a crucial role in shaping the delta.

Assessing the consequences of settlement on the delta

Human settlement on the Ganges River Delta has both positive and negative consequences. On the positive side, the fertile soil provides ideal conditions for agriculture, particularly rice cultivation; thus it supports a large number of population. On the flip side, it has led to environmental degradation, deforestation, and habitat loss. The population pressure has led to over-exploitation of resources and contamination of the river system due to industrial and domestic wastes. Moreover, settlements are particularly vulnerable to flooding during the monsoon and to sea-level rise due to climate change.

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Describe the Ganges River delta. What factors upstream explain its form and pattern? Assess the consequences of settlement on this delta.

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Describing the Ganges River Delta

Explaining the factors upstream

Assessing the consequences of settlement on the delta

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