Where does a delta typically form?

A delta typically forms at locations where rivers enter an ocean or lake due to the process of sediment deposition. As a river flows toward a larger body of water, its velocity decreases, leading to the settling of sediments that the river has carried downstream. Over time, this accumulation of sediments creates a landform that branches out into the water, forming the characteristic shape of a delta.

In contrast, areas with steep cliffs and mountainous regions do not allow for sediment deposition in the same manner, as the high energy of fast-flowing waters typically leads to erosion rather than deposition. Similarly, desert landscapes, characterized by minimal water flow, are not conducive to delta formation since there is insufficient water and sediment transport to create such structures. Lastly, regions with high volcanic activity may lead to the formation of different geological features, but they do not typically have the conditions that facilitate the slow sediment deposition process required for delta formation.