In a delta, what are the smaller channels that branch away from the main river called?

In a delta, what are the smaller channels that branch away from the main river called?

• A. Levees
• B. Load
• C. Distributaries
• D. Gorge

Answer: (C)

Distributaries are the smaller channels that branch away from the main river in a delta. When a river enters the sea, its velocity drops and it deposits sediment, causing the flow to split into multiple smaller waterways that spread water and sediment across the delta surface. This network forms the characteristic fan-like pattern of a delta and helps build land. Levees are raised banks along channels formed by flood deposits, not branching waterways. The term load refers to the sediment the river carries, not a channel. A gorge is a deep canyon carved by a river, not part of delta channel networks.

Distributaries are the smaller channels that branch away from the main river in a delta. When a river enters the sea, its velocity drops and it deposits sediment, causing the flow to split into multiple smaller waterways that spread water and sediment across the delta surface. This network forms the characteristic fan-like pattern of a delta and helps build land. Levees are raised banks along channels formed by flood deposits, not branching waterways. The term load refers to the sediment the river carries, not a channel. A gorge is a deep canyon carved by a river, not part of delta channel networks.