braided streams |
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Braided river at junction of Gakona and Copper River, Alaska (Photo credit: USGS Digital Data Series |
Nelchina River, Copper River region, Alaska (Photo credit: USGS Digital Data Series |
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Braided streams are created when the discharge of water cannot transport its load. When there is a decrease in stream velocity sediment is deposited on the floor of the channel creating bars. The bars separate the channel into several smaller channels creating a braided appearance. Braided channels are common in glaciated or recently glaciated landscapes where streams are fed by debris-choked melt water.. |
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