The salinity level decreases up north where freshwater flows into the system. The salinity of Akgöl is low and is covered with dense reed beds. The sandy strip between Akgöl and the sea is covered with dwarf shrubs of the species Genistra. Both of these wetland systems were formed as a result of bed displacements of the Göksu River and sea movements.

In recent decades, the hydrology of the delta has been transformed by agricultural development. Akgöl was used to be a semi-permanent, hyper-saline lake with no connection to the sea. Drainage water from fields to the north of the basin runs into Akgöl, which is connected with Paradeniz lagoon, the latter being connected to the sea. As a result, Akgöl is now a permanent, densely vegetated, with its water levels peaking in summer. Paradeniz, on the other hand, is an open, polyhaline lagoon with very little vegetation.