Slope break and avulsion locations scale consistently in global deltas

Prasojo, O. A., Hoey, T. B. , Owen, A. and Williams, R. D. (2022) Slope break and avulsion locations scale consistently in global deltas. Geophysical Research Letters, 49(2), e2021GL093656. (doi: 10.1029/2021GL093656)

Abstract

Understanding how deltas respond to changing sea level is crucial as deltas provide important ecosystems, are inhabited by ∼500 million people, and are nexuses of food, energy and economic activity. The response of delta distributary channels to sea-level rise depends on the geomorphic controls on delta morphology and their scaling relationships. Our data from 105 deltas globally show strong scaling between the upstream distances to slope breaks and to avulsion nodes, and confirm the previously-known scaling between backwater and avulsion lengths. The break in slope is proposed to be the principal control on delta development, along with other proposed secondary controls. We identify and discuss the implications of this slope break-avulsion length scaling, leading to a conceptual model of delta morphology and sedimentology. This model suggests how deltas may respond to future sea level rise and guides interpretation of deltaic deposits in the rock record.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: Funding: Indonesia Endowment Fund for Education (LPDP). Grant Number: 201902220213875
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Prasojo, Mr Octria and Williams, Professor Richard and Hoey, Professor Trevor and Owen, Dr Amanda
• Authors: Prasojo, O. A., Hoey, T. B., Owen, A., and Williams, R. D.
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Geographical and Earth Sciences
• Journal Name: Geophysical Research Letters
• Publisher: Wiley
• ISSN: 0094-8276
• ISSN (Online): 1944-8007
• Published Online: 28 December 2021
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2021 American Geophysical Union
• First Published: First published in Geophysical Research Letters 49(2): e2021GL093656
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the publisher copyright policy