Braiding channels are a type of stream made up of many small interconnecting channels. They occur in areas with a high amount of coarse material such as sand. The load is deposited forming eyots.

Case Study

Waimakariri River, South Island, New Zealand.

Gakona and Copper River, Alasca.

Causes

• Fluctuations in discharge levels

    - Glacial areas where in summer there is a lot of water and melt water

    - Semi arid areas

• Low water velocity
• Reduced capacity - optimum load that can be carried
• Reduced competence - the maximum size or weight of the load which can be carried.