River deposit (5) - Crossword Clue
Answer: DELTA
Understanding the clue
- A delta is a triangular river deposit that forms where a river meets slower-moving water like an ocean, sea, or lake.
- This landform develops as the river's flow slows down, causing it to drop the sediment, silt, and debris it's been carrying.
- The word "delta" comes from the Greek letter Δ (delta) because of its characteristic triangular shape.
- Famous examples include the Nile Delta in Egypt, the Mississippi Delta in the United States, and the Ganges-Brahmaputra Delta in Bangladesh and India.
Why Delta is the Answer
- In crossword puzzles, "river deposit" is a classic clue that points to DELTA (5 letters).
- The clue works on multiple levels: it refers both to the geographical feature created by sediment deposition and uses wordplay common in cryptic puzzles.
- Deltas represent some of Earth's most fertile agricultural lands due to the rich alluvial soil deposited over thousands of years.
Tips for Solving River-Related Crossword Clues
- Look for the letter count first - "River deposit (5)" immediately suggests DELTA over longer alternatives like "alluvium" or "sediment"
- Consider geographical terms - River clues often use technical geographical vocabulary like delta, estuary, tributary, or confluence
- Think triangular - If the clue mentions shape or Greek letters, delta becomes even more likely
- Check crossing letters - The letters D, E, L, T, and A are common, making DELTA easy to verify with intersecting answers
- Watch for variants - Sometimes clues say "river mouth deposit" or "triangular deposit" for the same answer
River deposit (5) - 7 Little Words - FAQs
Q: Are there other crossword answers for river deposits besides delta?
A: Yes, depending on letter count: SILT (4), DELTA (5), GRAVEL (6), ALLUVIUM (8), or SEDIMENT (8). The number in parentheses guides you to the correct answer.
Q: What's the difference between a delta and an estuary?
A: A delta is a sediment deposit that builds outward, while an estuary is a wider river mouth where fresh water mixes with tidal salt water, typically without significant sediment buildup.
Q: Why are deltas important in crossword puzzles?
A: DELTA appears frequently because it's exactly 5 letters, uses common letters, and represents a well-known geographical concept that's easy to clue in multiple ways.
Q: Can delta refer to anything else in crosswords?
A: Absolutely! DELTA can also mean: the fourth Greek letter, a change in mathematics/science, Delta Airlines, or the phonetic alphabet word for "D."
Q: What makes a delta different from a floodplain?
A: A floodplain is the flat land alongside a river that floods periodically, while a delta specifically forms at the river's end where it deposits sediment into standing water.
