BRAIDED STREAMS Double-click and select the BRAIDED STREAMS folder.
Fast moving streams originating from mountainous glacial areas or regions with an abundance of erodible sediment, often transport great quantities of course material such as sand and gravel within the channel. As the stream velocity decreases (as topography becomes less steep); however, the discharge is insufficient and can no longer carry the sediment load. In essence, the deposited bed load forms bars (or eyots) within the stream channel, forcing stream channel to diverge and converge among the deposits. These constantly shifting channels within the larger river channel are what give the stream its braided appearance.
The Delta River is an example of a braided stream near the town of Delta Junction, Alaska. Notice the network of broad yet shallow stream channels that diverge and converge, separated by bars of deposited bed load.
Question 23: Based on the location and the deposition type, explain why this stream forms a braided pattern.
Question 24: Where does the sediment (deposition material) come from?
Fast moving streams originating from mountainous glacial areas or regions with an abundance of erodible sediment, often transport great quantities of course material such as sand and gravel within the channel. As the stream velocity decreases (as topography becomes less steep); however, the discharge is insufficient and can no longer carry the sediment load. In essence, the deposited bed load forms bars (or eyots) within the stream channel, forcing stream channel to diverge and converge among the deposits. These constantly shifting channels within the larger river channel are what give the stream its braided appearance.
The Delta River is an example of a braided stream near the town of Delta Junction, Alaska. Notice the network of broad yet shallow stream channels that diverge and converge, separated by bars of deposited bed load.
Question 23: Based on the location and the deposition type, explain why this stream forms a braided pattern.
Question 24: Where does the sediment (deposition material) come from?