Which o f these geographical features is most likely to have the lowe...
Deltas occur near the sea mouth, i.e. very close to mean sea level, which can be the lowest elevation possible.
Which o f these geographical features is most likely to have the lowe...
Deltas are most likely to have the lowest mean elevation among the given options.
Explanation:
Deltas are formed at the mouth of a river where it meets an ocean, sea, lake, or another river. They are created by the accumulation of sediments, such as sand, silt, and clay, that are carried by the river and deposited at its mouth. Over time, these sediments build up and form a triangular or fan-shaped landform.
There are several reasons why deltas tend to have lower mean elevation compared to other geographical features:
1. Deposition of sediments: Deltas are primarily formed through the deposition of sediments carried by the river. These sediments are often fine-grained and easily settle at the mouth of the river, leading to the accumulation of sediment layers. As a result, the delta gradually builds up over time, which can cause the land to be relatively flat and low-lying.
2. Flattening effect of water: The flowing water at the mouth of the river tends to spread out and slow down, which reduces its erosive power. This allows the sediments to settle and accumulate more easily, contributing to the formation of a delta. The water's flattening effect also contributes to the relatively low elevation of deltas.
3. Subsidence: Deltas are often located in areas where subsidence occurs. Subsidence is the sinking of the land due to various factors such as tectonic activity, sediment compaction, and groundwater extraction. When the land subsides, the delta may sink further, resulting in a lower mean elevation.
4. Proximity to bodies of water: Deltas are typically found at the mouths of rivers where they meet large bodies of water. The proximity to these bodies of water, such as oceans or lakes, means that the delta is influenced by tidal movements and wave action. These forces can erode the delta's landforms and contribute to its relatively low elevation.
In conclusion, deltas are most likely to have the lowest mean elevation among the given options due to the deposition of sediments, the flattening effect of water, subsidence, and the proximity to bodies of water.