ABSTRACT
This chapter explains the topologic properties of delta distributary networks and presents an analysis of the topologic configuration of the distributary patterns of twenty deltas using the approach of Smart and Moruzzi. It explains Coleman’s classification of distributary nets: bifurcating and rejoining. The growth of the delta is accompanied by formation of new distributaries and abandonment of old ones. When predicted and observed frequencies of various links for each delta are compared, we find that in only 10 of the 20 deltas are all link frequencies close to those predicted by the random model of Smart and Moruzzi. The chapter deals with Illustration of method of drawing equal concentric arcs from the delta apex and histograms of frequency distributions of the angle of bifurcation of some deltaic networks. To permit statistical analysis of random distributary networks and to enable comparison with natural deltaic distributary patterns, 13 random walk models were constructed.
