rhone delta

Question 1

Whats the fetch here?

Answer 1

Short — enclosed Mediterranean Sea, limited wave energy

Question 2

whats the tidal range here

Answer 2

0.3m- no tidal scour so sediment stays in place

Question 3

whats the wave type present

Answer 3

Constructive — long wavelength, low frequency (6–8 per min)

Question 4

whats the sediment type

Answer 4

Fine sand and silt carried from the Swiss Alps by the Rhône river

Question 5

what are the distributaries called

Answer 5

Grande Rhône (85% of water) and Petit Rhône — diverge 4km north of Arles

Question 6

how are landforms linked

Answer 6

How are landforms linked? River deposits sediment → narrow beaches form → wind moves sand inland forming dunes → low-lying areas behind become saltmarshes → barrier bars enclose étangs and protect the whole system from wave energy

Question 7

whats the millenia change

Answer 7

Delta prograded seaward over 7,000 years since post-glacial sea level stabilised; upstream dam construction reduced sediment supply causing 2–8m coastal retreat in places

Question 8

whats the seasonal change

Answer 8

Winter storms erode beaches and form offshore sandbars; summer gentler conditions rebuild barrier bars and beaches recover

Question 9

whats the change in seconds

Answer 9

Storm surges rapidly breach barrier bars, temporarily disrupting equilibrium