SEDIMENTARY MOUTH SYSTEMS

Abstract

The sedimentary models of principal morphogenetic types of the mouth systems – bay-head, lagoon-head and protruding deltas were developed on the basis of river deltas’ geological features analysis. Each model possesses an original logic of lithodynamic processes: 1) the lagoon-deltaic systems are natural traps for river load; 2) the estuarine-deltaic systems are characterized by poor accumulation of river load and absence of the subaerial deltas; river load is carried out from estuaries and accumulated on open offshore as huge submarine cones (mouth bars); 3) the liman-deltaic systems are characterized by accumulation of about 50% of river load in subaerial deltas; the transit part of river load is carried out by channel flows beyond avandelta; 4) the deltaic systems on open coastland accumulate about 85% of river load; their transit part contributes to the formation of barrier bars.