Channel-forming criterion

The channel-forming criterion is the ratio of the external channel-forming factor and the internal opposition to this factor, which determines the type of channel processes .

Channel-forming criteria are used to create classifications; while the types of channel processes are arranged in the order determined by the channel-forming criterion. One of the channel forming criteria is the relative conveying ability of the flow . According to the change in this criterion, the order of changing the types of channel processes is as follows: developed meandering , undeveloped meandering, side-by-side type of channel processes , ribbon- row type , ring- type , channel multi-arm . By other criteria (relative floodplain flooding, runoff reduction, etc.), other one-factor classification of channel processes are formed. Joint consideration of channel-forming criteria leads to the formation of multifactor classifications of channel-driven processes. This makes it possible to predict channel deformations ^[1] when changing external influences or internal processes of the flow-channel system.