braided channel

Also known as: anastomosing stream

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

June 22, 2026

Quick Summary

Braided channels are river channels subdivided by midstream bars of sand or gravel. These channels are characterized by weak banks, a high width-depth ratio, and mobile bed material. They are often found near land ice or on outwash plains, with width-depth ratios potentially exceeding 1,000:1. While some rivers are entirely braided, this pattern can also emerge locally within a meandering channel where bars form. The inefficiency of the smaller, subdivided channels can lead to downcutting and stabilization of bars. Braided streams can actively excavate their valley floors.1

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

3 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

river
Braided channels
Braided channels are subdivided at low-water stages by multiple midstream bars of sand or gravel. At high water, many or all bars are submerged, although continuous downcutting or fixation by plants, or both, plus the trapping of sediment may enable some bars to…
Read More
Braided channels are subdivided at low-water stages by multiple midstream bars of sand or gravel. At high water, many or all bars are submerged, although continuous downcutting or fixation by plants, or both, plus the trapping of sediment may enable some bars to…
Read More