The shrinking of the Mekong Delta involves various interconnected patterns and relationships:
Geological Subsidence: The delta's land is sinking due to both natural and human-induced factors. Natural subsidence occurs due to sediment compaction and tectonic activity. Human activities such as groundwater extraction and the construction of dams exacerbate this subsidence.
Reduced Sediment Deposition: Dams built upstream on the Mekong River, particularly in China and Laos, reduce the amount of sediment reaching the delta. This sediment is essential for replenishing the delta's land and combating erosion.
Sea Level Rise: Global warming causes sea levels to rise, which leads to saltwater intrusion into the delta's freshwater systems. This intrusion affects agriculture, water quality, and biodiversity.
Land Use Changes: Conversion of wetlands for agriculture and urbanization alters the natural hydrology of the delta, affecting water flow patterns, sediment deposition, and biodiversity.