Pathological Geomorphology

Hard to define, but we all know it when we see it.

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    Bombetoka Bay, Madagascar

    Hunting for a Where on Google Earth location a while ago I ran across this wonderful tidally-influenced delta on the northwest coast of Madagascar. It is the mouth of the Betsiboka River and just north of the river mouth is the second largest port in Madagascar.

    What struck me about the delta was not just the nice tug-of-war between riverine and tidal processes in shaping the islands, but the dramatic red color of the water in the Google Earth image (and others as well). This red color is symptomatic of the massive erosion resulting from rampant deforestation of the island.

    The four photos are from Flash Earth, Google Earth, and the Gateway to Astronaut Photography, NASA Earth Observatory (ASTER satellite)

    Flash earth permanent link: http://www.flashearth.com/?lat=-15.883853&lon=46.436067&z=10.8&r=0&src=msa

    Astronaut Photograph: http://eol.jsc.nasa.gov/scripts/sseop/photo.pl?mission=ISS005&roll=E&frame=9418

    Earth Observatory ASTER image: http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/IOTD/view.php?id=5245

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    Bombetoka_Bay_Madagascar.zip (435 KB)

    • 6 April 2010
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    about 2 years ago John responded:
    I would consider that to be first and foremost an estuary rather than a delta. Great image though
    about 2 years ago highlyanne (Twitter) responded:
    Roaring_n2_091004_cropsmall_normal
    Even though it's an "innie" not an "outie," I'd consider it a delta, albeit perhaps on being built within a former estuary. The well-documented evidence for sedimentation at a river mouth meets the definition of a delta.
    about 2 years ago Kyle House responded:
    Kyle House
    I am thinking that Madagascar needs to be a general pathological theme in an upcoming month...lots of amazing stuff there. Thanks for posting this one.
    almost 2 years ago Otto S.R. ongkosongo responded:
    a mixture of bay, delta, and estuary; depending what we like tostress the point of discussion. Very interesting place to visit.
    Otto S.R. Ongkosongo
    Indonesia
    9 months ago Josiah Gardiner liked this post.
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