Fates of World Major River-Derived Sediments - Along-shore vs Cross-shelf Transport

Explore the fascinating world of sediment transport from major rivers to the sea in this comprehensive lecture. Discover how extensive geological and geophysical surveys have revealed the formation of large proximal subaqueous deltas, asymmetrical prodelta lobes, and elongated or detached distal sediment masses. Examine case studies of major river systems, including the Amazon, Yangtze, Yellow, Mekong, Irrawaddy, Mississippi, Nile, Po, Rhone, Pearl, and Red rivers, to understand their unique sediment dispersal patterns. Learn about the impressive distances sediments can travel along shorelines, such as the Amazon's 1500 km journey and the Yangtze's 800 km transport. Investigate the development of distal mud depocenters and underwater clinoform features in various river systems. Compare these long-shore transport phenomena with the rare cases of direct deep-sea sediment dispersal through shelf canyon systems, as seen in the Congo and Ganges-Brahmaputra rivers. Gain valuable insights into the complex interplay between river-derived sediments and coastal processes, enhancing your understanding of global sediment transport dynamics.