Technically, a stream is said to be meandering when the ratio of actual channel length to the straight line distance between two points on the stream channel is greater than 1.5. Channels in these streams are characteristically U-shaped and actively migrate over the extensive floodplain . Meandering stream channel. Within the stream channel are a variety of sedimentary beds and structures. Many of these features are dependent upon the complex interaction between stream velocity and sediment size.
Streams carrying coarse sediments develop sand and gravel bars .
Bars develop in braided streams because of reductions in discharge . Braided stream channel with gravel bars. In a meandering stream, point bars tend to be common on the inside of a channel bend. Meandering stream channel as seen from above. Figure 11j-6 below shows an overhead view of these deposits and related features.