GRID-Arendal : State of the Environment Norway - Cultural and natural landscapes

River deltas

The state of estuary areas in Norway. Source:ALLFORSK, Centre for Environment and Development, University of Trondheim. Coordinator: Directorate for Nature Management

River deltas are the most threatened wetland type. River deltas are valuable as nesting and feeding sites for numerous species of birds, in addition to being resting places during spring and autumn migrations. River deltas in general have high biological production and large diversity of species. River deltas are vulnerable to human encroachment like harbors, industrial installations, land reclamataion, aquaculture, hydropower, cultivation, sewage and oil pollution.

Typical development of a river delta

Orkla river

The development of the delta in the river Orkla, Sør-Trøndelag County 1962-1992 represents a development typical for larger river deltas in Norway in this period. The river has been straightened, and 82% percent of of the land area has been developed.



Heen river

The development of the delta in the river Heenselva, Møre og Romsdal County 1974-1992 is an other example. The river has been straightened, and a new main road is build through the delta.

1974 1992

Source : SKMe : Elvedeltaer - kartlegging og overvåking




Areas | Freshwater | Glaciers | Bogs and marshes