5.4.2 Straight River Channels
Straight river channels can be of two types. The first forms on a low-gradient valley slope, has
a low width-depth ratio channel, and is relatively stable. The second type is a steep gradient,
high width-depth ratio, high energy river that has many bars, and at low flow is braided. It is
relatively active. The first type of straight channel may contain alternate bars (Figure 5.14), that
result in a sinuous thalweg (flow path connecting deepest points in successive cross sections)
within the straight channel. The braided channel, as discussed in detail later, has numerous
bars and multiple thalwegs.