
channel evolution
Channel evolution refers to how rivers and streams change their paths over time due to natural processes. As water flows, it wears away (erodes) the land and deposits sediments, gradually altering the shape and course of the channel. Initially, streams may shift rapidly, creating new paths, but over time these changes slow down as the landscape stabilizes. Evolution includes features like meanders, braiding, or the development of deltas, reflecting the ongoing dynamic balance between erosion and sediment deposition. This process shapes the landscape, influencing ecosystems, flood patterns, and land use.