A braided channel contains a network of smaller channels separated by small islands called braid bars.
The number and location of the channels and braid bars may change quickly in a braided system.
The following conditions promote the formation of braided channels:
Erodible banks
Abundant supply of sediment
Rapid and frequent variations in stream discharge.
An illustration of a braided channel is shown below:
Blue lines indicate the extent of the braided channel.
Brown areas indicate braid bars.
Red lines indicate areas of stream flow.
