Fluvial Landform ( 07.Braided Channel )

                                                                                                                                                      Back to Fluvial Landform

• A braided river has a channel.

• That consists of a network of small channels.

• Temporary islands called; 

                                                braid bars
                                                aits
                                                eyots

• Braided streams rivers with high slope & large sediment load.

• That dramatically decrease channel depth &  channel velocity, such as;

                                               River deltas
                                               Alluvial fans
                                              Peneplains.

• Distinct from meandering rivers.

• Usually highly mobile with river layout.

• Channels move sideways via differential velocity:

                                        On the outside of a curve, deeper, swift water picks up sediment 
                                        Re-deposited in slow-moving water on the inside of a bend

• It flow within  valley floor.

Braided channel formation :

1. an abundant supply of sediment
2. high stream gradient
3. rapid and frequent variations in water discharge
4. erodible banks
5. a steep channel gradient

• A stream with cohesive banks.

• That are resistant to erosion.

• It will form narrow, deep, meandering channels.

e.g. Brahmaputra-Jamuna River.

       Touat Valley,Africa.