Channel pattern: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 22:55, 18 August 2017

Revision as of 11:45, 28 August 2017

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There are a few distinctly different channel types based on their geological structure and [[Depositional environment|depositional]] environment. [[Braided river]]s carry fairly coarse-grained sediment down a fairly steep gradient. They typically exhibit numerous channels that split off and rejoin each other to give a braided appearance. Additionally, the water [[Discharge (hydrology)|discharge]] tends to be highly variable. Consequently, braided rivers usually exist near mountainous regions, especially those with glaciers.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/489065099|title=Geology : an introduction to physical geology|last=Stanley|first=Chernicoff,|last2=L.|first2=Whitney, Donna|date=2007|publisher=Pearson Prentice Hall|isbn=0131474642|oclc=489065099}}</ref> These braided channels usually occur in [[Tectonics|tectonically active]] environments and have a larger sediment load due to varying water flow and discharge.

==Anastomosed channels==  

Often confused with braided channels, [[Anastomosis|anastomosing]] is reserved for a type of river with multiple, interconnected, coexisting channel belts on alluvial plains. Based on its geomorphology, saucer-shaped islands called [[Flood basin|flood-basins]] characterize anastomosing rivers.<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Makaske|first1=Bart|title=Anastomosing rivers: a review of their classification, origin and sedimentary products|journal=Earth-Science Reviews|date=2001|volume=53|issue=3-4|pages=149–196|doi=10.1016/S0012-8252(00)00038-6|url=http://www.geo.arizona.edu/geo5xx/geos544/pdfs/fluvial/makaske.pdf}}</ref> These channels are classified as a composite form of which the individual channel belts may have braided, [[meander]]ing or [[Straight River (central Minnesota)|straight channels]]. Although similar to, and even encompass other channel types, anastomosed rivers are their own entity and have just begun to be studied by [[geologist]]s, revealing that much is still unknown.

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[[Category:Geomorphology]]

[[Category:Fluvial landforms]]

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