A series of interconnected shallow channels created by a river are known as?

Braided channels are characterized by a network of interconnected shallow channels that split and rejoin around sediment bars. This formation typically occurs in rivers that have high sediment loads and variable discharge, which leads to the river splitting into several smaller channels. These channels weave in and out, creating a braid-like appearance. This structure is notably different from straight channels, which maintain a direct course, meandering channels, which have pronounced curves, and riffle channels, which are more associated with an increase in flow velocity over a shallow bed and are commonly found in rivers as part of their natural sequences. The braided channel form allows for efficient sediment transport while providing diverse habitats along the river system.