
Braided rivers
Braided rivers are waterways characterized by multiple interwoven channels separated by sediment bars or islands. They form in areas with high sediment load and variable water flow, where the river's energy deposits silt and gravel faster than it can carry them away. During floods or high flow periods, channels may change course, creating a complex network that shifts over time. These rivers often occur in mountainous regions or areas with easily erodible banks and are important for shaping landscapes, supporting diverse habitats, and managing sediment transport.