Experimental Study of Channel Patterns

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.