The slope of the fits is comparable to that of a theoretical network of which each branche divides into four. This theoretical network yields the same results in Horton's and fractal analysis, as do the natural tidal-channel systems. This implies that they are fractal indeed. The total lenght measured with the smallest divider lenght is the best estimate of this lenght. There is a distinct relation between the circumference lenght and the tidal prism.
Similar relations exist between the circumference lenght and the drainage area and channel area.
Channel-system circumference lenght from this study. After initial formation of a channel system, the morphology will increasingly influence the flow pattern. Therefore, during evolution, channel-system dynamics become more deterministic. However, the morphology is also influenced by random processes. For instance, the position of the smallest channels is in part random.