Abstract
RIVER channel patterns are described as being braided, meandering, or straight1 with braided rivers having steeper gradients than meandering rivers at the same discharge2. Recent experimental studies also suggest that straight channels have gentler gradients than meandering channels for the same discharge3. The difference in slope has at times been assumed to be the cause of the difference between braided and meandering channels, although braided channels have also been attributed to rapid variations in discharge, high sediment load, or erodible banks4. All of these explanations are plausible, and the last two can be related to the higher velocity and greater tractive force associated with steep gradients.
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References
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SCHUMM, S., KHAN, H. Experimental Study of Channel Patterns. Nature 233, 407–409 (1971). https://doi.org/10.1038/233407a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/233407a0
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