distributary channel

views updated May 08 2018

distributary channel A natural stream channel that branches from a trunk stream which it may or may not rejoin. It occurs typically on the surface of an alluvial fan or delta, where it may be part of a complex, fan-shaped network that distributes the discharge and sediment load of the main channel among many small distributary channels between which a variable assemblage of bays, lakes, tidal flats, or marshes may exist. The larger distributory channels show crevasse splays and levées. See ANABRANCHING CHANNEL.

distributary channel

views updated May 18 2018

distributary channel A natural stream channel that branches from a trunk stream which it may or may not rejoin. It occurs typically on the surface of an alluvial fan or delta, where it may be part of a complex, fan-shaped network that distributes the discharge and sediment load of the main channel among many small distributory channels, between which a variable assemblage of bays, lakes, tidal flats, or marshes may exist. The larger distributory channels show crevasse splays and levees. See anabranching channel.