Question

Braided streams are associated with what features or activities? meandering streams mining operations agriculture steep canyons glaciers

Answer 1

A braided river consists of networked, intertwining channels often found in environments with an abundant sediment supply, variable flow, and gentle slopes, which can result from glacier activity or steep canyons. Mining can contribute to braided patterns, while agriculture affects sediment levels.

Step-by-step explanation:

A braided river is characterized by a network of river channels that repeatedly branch off and come back together, often separated by small and sometimes temporary islands. These braided streams are typically associated with environments that have a plentiful supply of sediment, variable water flow, and relatively gentle slopes. Common features or activities in these settings include glaciers that provide a constant supply of sediment and water, as well as steep canyons that, through weathering and erosion, contribute debris to rivers.

Additionally, mining operations may often lead to the development of braided stream patterns due to increased sediment from disturbed soils. While agriculture does not directly form braided streams, agricultural runoff can contribute sediment to nearby rivers, altering their patterns. However, meandering streams represent a different type of river morphology, typically found in flatter regions where the water flow is slower and sediment deposition occurs along the inner curves of bends.

Answer 2

Braided streams are geomorphological features that form in environments with ample sediment supply, rapid sediment deposition, and variations in water discharge, commonly near melting glaciers or steep canyons. These streams are dynamic and might occur near areas impacted by mining operations.

Step-by-step explanation:

Braided streams are associated with a range of geomorphological features and environments. A braided river consists of a complex network of river channels that interweave and divide, often creating temporary islands. Braided streams are typically found in environments with a plentiful supply of sediment, high rates of sediment deposition, and rapid variations in water discharge.

Some key features associated with braided streams include variable channel patterns, unstable banks, and frequent channel shifting. These streams often form in regions where there is abundant coarse material, such as glacial outwash plains, where melting glaciers provide the sediment. The rapidly changing water flow can erode the banks and quickly deposit sediment, leading to the formation of the braided pattern.

Braided streams can also be seen where there is a steep gradient, as in regions with steep canyons, which enhances the stream's capacity to carry and deposit sediments. Because of their dynamic nature and tendency to rapidly change course, braided rivers do not typically support extensive activities like agriculture or meandering streams, but they might occur in areas disturbed by mining operations where increased sediment is a byproduct.