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How Currents form channels

As shown here, turbulent action of the waters within the current itself will gradually cut into the bottom and sides of the river bed. The erosive power of water in a river comes from the abrasive action on the bottom of the river by the sand and gravel carried by the stream.

The patterns of channels in which rivers seem to flow can differ. These patterns are called:

• braided
• meandering
• straight

This picture shows how eddies actually cut into a river bed.
Click on image for full size version (408K GIF)

Examples of rivers carving channels

How Currents form channels

As shown here, turbulent action of the waters within the current itself will gradually cut into the bottom and sides of the river bed. The erosive power of water in a river comes from the abrasive action on the bottom of the river by the sand and gravel carried by the stream.

The patterns of channels in which rivers seem to flow can differ. These patterns are called:

• braided
• meandering
• straight

This picture shows how eddies actually cut into a river bed.
Click on image for full size version (408K GIF)

Examples of rivers carving channels

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