This study investigates global patterns of coastal suspended sediment concentration (SSC) and river sediment plume area (RPA) near 349 deltas from 2000 to 2020 using satellite imagery. A global increase in both SSC and RPA was observed (+0.46% and +0.48% yr⁻¹, respectively), with over 59% of deltas showing increases in both. However, the relationship between river sediment supply and coastal SSCs varied considerably, with opposing trends observed in 45.2% of deltas, highlighting the influence of tides, waves, salinity, and delta morphology. The increase in SSCs suggests potential positive implications for wetland resilience against sea-level rise, although the persistence of this trend remains uncertain.

Xuejiao Hou, Danghan Xie, Lian Feng, Fang Shen, Jaap H. Nienhuis