braided stream?

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What is a "braided stream?"
How is it different than an everyday shampooed and blow dried stream? How is it formed?

Joined: 23 Mar 2004 Posts: 64

Judging from the name and the sense of the message, I would guess this question is from a relative, most likely my sister Sue who is sharing a bit (a REALLY small bit!) of her geology humor! But incase I have misjudged this, I will treat it as a legitimate question. Actually, it is a rather good question! If my simplified answer does not suffice, you might want to ask Sue for her answer. A geologist and educator, she might just be checking me out to see if I have my facts straight!!!!

A braided stream is a network of interconnected channels, weaving in and out of one another, hence the term braided. Attributes of an area where one might encounter a braided stream would be an uneven terrain, abundant sedimentation, rapid and frequent variation in water discharge, and an erodible substrate. The water flowing off LinneBreen, or the Linne Glacier is continually rerouted along many areas, carrying its sediments across various interconnecting pathways on its way to the lake. The little islands that form such an often intricate pattern are called braid bars. An no, Sue, braid bars are not where you go while in Jamaica to sip a tall drink while a pretty girl braids and beads your hair!