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Deltas are criss-crossed by a branching network of distributaries. Overloaded with sediment, deposition in the channel forms bars which causes the channel to split in two. This produces two channels with reduced energy levels, and so more deposition and further dividing occurs. Although these channels may be lined by levées on their banks, in times of flood these natural embankments are breached and deposition of lobes of sediment will then take place in the low-lying areas between the levees, called crevasse splays.