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Geography of Unbranched Channels and Conditions for Their Formation
https://doi.org/10.31857/S2587556624040032
EDN: RQGCRZ
Abstract
A geographical analysis is given of the conditions for the development and distribution of rectilinear unbranched channels, forming morphologically homogeneous areas, “inserts” between bends and islands in meandering and braided rivers, as well as channel branches (island branches), floodplain channel branches, and bifurcated channels. It is shown that morphologically homogeneous areas with this type of channel are relatively rare on rivers, which is associated with the instability of rectilinear flow movement. The conditions under which the formation of straight channels is possible are identified: the location of wide floodplain channels along the bedrock banks, on rivers with an incised channel, etc. The developed small- scale map shows the zoning of the territory of Russia according to the distribution of straight, unbranched channels and their occurrence on small and medium-sized rivers with other types of channels. On large and large rivers, sections of straight channels are identified, as well as manifestations of straightness in the form of “inserts” between adjacent bends and branches of different types, in branches of branches of different morphodynamic types and structural levels. The reasons and conditions of transformation of straight channels into sinuous and branched (transforming) channels or their non-transformability in different regions of the country are considered.
Keywords
channel processes,
straight unbranched channels,
typification,
morphodynamics of channels,
branches,
meanders,
flow movement,
transformation of channels,
stability of channels
Supporting agencies: The paper is prepared according to the plans of the research work of the Department of Land Hydrology and the N.I. Makkaveev Research Laboratory of Soil Erosion and Channel Processes, Moscow State University (initial stock materials and their generalization) with financial support of the Russian Science Foundation (project no. 23-17-00065; field research 2023, hydrological and morphological analysis).
About the Authors
R. S. Chalov
Lomonosov Moscow State University, Faculty of Geography
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Moscow
E. R. Chalova
Lomonosov Moscow State University, Faculty of Geography
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Moscow
G. B. Golubtsov
Lomonosov Moscow State University, Faculty of Geography
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Moscow
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Review
For citations:
Chalov R.S., Chalova E.R., Golubtsov G.B. Geography of Unbranched Channels and Conditions for Their Formation. Izvestiya Rossiiskoi Akademii Nauk. Seriya Geograficheskaya. 2024;88(4):496-507. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.31857/S2587556624040032. EDN: RQGCRZ
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