List out the agricultural and environmental significance of deltas and flood plains with examples.

Deltas and flood plains are depositional landforms that occur in the lower course of the rivers. Flood plains are formed when the river overflows its banks during flood and deposits the rich fertile alluvial sediments on the flooded land before receding. Deltas are formed by deposition of the sediments in triangular forms at the river mouth when its velocity is at a minimum. Both these features are thus extremely fertile landforms. Their agricultural and environmental significances are listed below-

Agricultural Significance –

• The fertile flood plains aid in creating agricultural lands which is important for food production for the population of a country.

• Most major civilizations (Indus Valley Civilization along the banks of river Indus) were created along flood plains because of the easy availability of fertile lands.

• These lands are rejuvenated through yearly flooding making it cost effective for the farmers.

• One of the extensive alluvial plains in the world is the North Indian Plains formed by the flooding of the rivers Ganga, Indus and Brahmaputra and cultivation of crops such as rice, wheat, jute, sugarcane etc are observed here.

• Deltas create new landmass and over a period of time, these land masses which are extremely fertile increase the amount of agricultural land in the country.

Environmental Significance –

• The fertility of flood plains and deltas support the growth of a variety of flora and fauna.

• Often deltas exhibit unique ecosystems like mangrove forests that are extremely important for the natural balance of nature.

• Deltas become biodiversity hotspots.

• The Sunderban Delta which is one of the largest Deltas in the world has been declared a World Heritage Site due to its varied and endangered flora and fauna.