Water Channel Patterns of Nature: Meanders, Branches, Deltas
by Owen Borville
September 13, 2021
Science
Meanders of water channels on the Earth's surface form a common pattern in nature that can be modeled mathematically.
Meanders form a fractal pattern, or a never-ending pattern that repeats at different scales, and shows evidence of design in nature.
A meandering stream is a stream channel which forms sinuous alternating curve shapes around bends on the surface of the Earth.
The outer side of the channel is eroded (called a cut bank) and the eroded sediment is deposited on the inner side of the following meander channel (called a point bar). These curved channels are called meanders.
The outer edge of the meander bend is unprotected and therefore is more easily eroded and the erosion accelerates at this location.
Stream systems feature many repeating branches flowing from the main channel and can be magnified at different scales, repeating toward infinity.
Therefore, stream channel systems including their tributaries are good examples of fractals.
Branching stream channels and delta systems at the mouth of the river-stream system also showcase the features of repeating patterns at various scales, and therefore are fractal patterns.
by Owen Borville
September 13, 2021
Science
Meanders of water channels on the Earth's surface form a common pattern in nature that can be modeled mathematically.
Meanders form a fractal pattern, or a never-ending pattern that repeats at different scales, and shows evidence of design in nature.
A meandering stream is a stream channel which forms sinuous alternating curve shapes around bends on the surface of the Earth.
The outer side of the channel is eroded (called a cut bank) and the eroded sediment is deposited on the inner side of the following meander channel (called a point bar). These curved channels are called meanders.
The outer edge of the meander bend is unprotected and therefore is more easily eroded and the erosion accelerates at this location.
Stream systems feature many repeating branches flowing from the main channel and can be magnified at different scales, repeating toward infinity.
Therefore, stream channel systems including their tributaries are good examples of fractals.
Branching stream channels and delta systems at the mouth of the river-stream system also showcase the features of repeating patterns at various scales, and therefore are fractal patterns.
