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2.5.3.1 Braided Stream

A braided stream pattern occurs when the main channel splits into a number of interconnected channels separated by islands of channel bars. Rivers which receive excessive load or which undergo a sharp decrease in gradient often become braided. Longitudinal, tranverse,and lateral bars are characteristic depositional features.

On an alluvial fan, perennial streams often exhibit a braided pattern as the sudden drop in the stream gradient causes the deposition of the larger clastic material.


Images
Braided flow in meltwater stream.
Braided flow in meltwater stream.
Earth Science Slides by John S. Shelton
Braided flow in meltwater stream.  Aerial view of Tanana River showing braided channel, Shaw Creek, Alaska. 

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