Braided river

Braided river

A braided river is a type of river channel that consists of a network of river channels separated by small, often temporary, islands called braid bars or eyots. This type of river is typically found in areas with high sediment load and variable water discharge. Braided rivers are characterized by their multiple, interweaving channels that create a complex and dynamic fluvial system.

Formation

Braided rivers form in environments where the sediment load is high and the river's discharge is variable. These conditions are often found in glacial regions, alluvial fans, and areas with steep gradients. The high sediment load causes the river to deposit material within the channel, creating bars and islands. When the water flow increases, it can erode these deposits and create new channels, leading to the characteristic braided pattern.

Characteristics

Braided rivers have several distinguishing features:

• Multiple Channels: Unlike a meandering river, which has a single, sinuous channel, a braided river has multiple channels that split and rejoin.
• High Sediment Load: The channels carry a large amount of sediment, which is deposited to form bars and islands.
• Variable Discharge: The flow of water in a braided river can vary significantly, leading to frequent changes in the channel pattern.
• Shallow Channels: The channels in a braided river are typically shallow and wide.

Examples

Some well-known examples of braided rivers include:

• The Waimakariri River in New Zealand
• The Brahmaputra River in India and Bangladesh
• The Platte River in the United States

Ecological Significance

Braided rivers provide unique habitats for a variety of flora and fauna. The dynamic nature of these rivers creates a mosaic of habitats, including wetlands, riparian zones, and gravel bars. These habitats support diverse communities of plants, birds, fish, and invertebrates.

Human Impact

Human activities, such as dam construction, water diversion, and land use change, can significantly impact braided rivers. These activities can alter the flow regime, sediment supply, and channel morphology, leading to changes in the river's braided pattern and ecological health.

See Also

• River morphology
• Sediment transport
• Fluvial processes
• Alluvial river