The
Colorado River Delta is the region where the
Colorado River flows into the
Gulf of California (also known as the Sea of Cortez). The delta is part of a larger geologic region called the
Salton Trough. Historically, the interaction of the river’s flow and the ocean’s tide created a dynamic environment, supporting freshwater,
brackish, and saltwater species. Within the
delta region, the river split into multiple braided channels and formed complex
estuary and terrestrial
ecosystems. Use of water upstream and the accompanying reduction of fresh water flow has resulted in loss of most of the
wetlands of the area, as well as drastic changes to the aquatic ecosystems. However, a scheme is currently in place which aims to rejuvenate the
wetlands by releasing a pulse of water down the river delta.