Question

The satellite image above shows the Selenga River flowing into Lake Baikal in Russia. The river flows from the southeast and empties into the lake in the northern part of the image.

Where the river enters the lake, it branches into many channels and has deposited a large, fan-shaped feature extending out from the shore (marked by "X"). What is this feature?

Answer 1

The fan-shaped feature formed by the Selenga River at the point where it enters Lake Baikal is known as a delta, a common landform at the mouth of rivers where they deposit sediment.

The large, fan-shaped feature created where the Selenga River enters Lake Baikal is known as a delta. This geological phenomenon occurs when the river deposits sediment, such as gravel, sand, and silt, as it slows down and disperses into the larger body of water. Because the deposited material can no longer be carried by the slower-moving water, it accumulates and gradually forms the delta over time. This landform is typical of many river systems around the world, including the Yukon River in Alaska, which also presents such features observable through satellite images.

So, the fan-shaped feature is a delta, marking the point where the Selenga River deposits its sediment into Lake Baikal, forming a vibrant ecosystem and influencing the lake's water dynamics and quality.

Answer 2

The fan-shaped feature extending out from the shore where the Selenga River enters Lake Baikal is most likely a river delta.

A river delta is a landform created by the deposition of sediment carried by a river as it enters a larger body of water, such as a lake or an ocean. When a river flows into a standing body of water, the velocity of the river decreases, causing it to deposit sediment it has been carrying. Over time, this sediment builds up and forms a delta.

Deltas often have a fan-shaped appearance, with multiple channels branching out from the main river channel. These channels distribute the sediment and water across the delta, allowing it to build and expand over time.

The sediment deposited by the Selenga River in Lake Baikal forms the fan-shaped feature marked by "X" in the satellite image. This delta is an important ecological and geological feature, as it provides a unique habitat for various species and helps to stabilize the shoreline.

Step-by-step explanation:

In summary, the fan-shaped feature at the mouth of the Selenga River in Lake Baikal is most likely a river delta. It is formed by the deposition of sediment carried by the river as it enters the lake.