River Channel Patterns

River channel patterns of various types are described and defined. Data for 42 rivers are collected in respect to meander and channel characteristics. Relationships are statistically determined between tortuosity ratio and important channel characteristics. Similar equations are evolved for the ratio of meander belt to channel width. These two ratios define shape and size of a meander. Conditions when channels become straight or meandering are described and it is shown that meandering helps the channel to reach final stability.