River Deltas of the World : a baseline and changes

Coincident with the launching of the Earth Observing System is the accumulation
of over 21 years of earth observations by the Landsat borne 30m resolution of
the multispectral Thematic Mapper. This archival record encompasses two decades
of change on these dynamic land forms. The objective of this project is to
assemble this valuable Landsat imagery into a global scale geomorphological
reconnaissance of deltaic conditions, and their evolution, over the last two
decades. The temporal and spatial patterns of change provide clues to the
important processes of deltaic evolution, valuable for future planning and
development.

Deltas are strategically important for their deposits of fertile soil, living
estuary and marine resources, huge oil and gas reserves, richness of its living
and fossil fuels, navigable waterways, harbors, fresh water sources, and places
of desirable living and industrial development. In addition to having rich
environments that support much human activity, deltas contain zones of coastal
hazards and disasters. They include floods from the landward side plus storm
surges and wave attacks from the seaward side.

[Summary provided by Louisiana State University.]