Geographers: Rivers Choose Their Path Based on Erosion

Geographers: Rivers Choose Their Path Based on Erosion

Rivers are Earth’s arteries. Water, sediment and nutrients self-organize into diverse, dynamic channels as they journey from the mountains to the sea. Some rivers carve out a single pathway, while others divide into multiple interwoven threads. Multi-channel rivers predominate in Iceland’s easily eroded volcanic soil. (Luca Ronchi via iStock) These channel patterns shape flood risks, erosion hazards and ecosystem services for more than 3 billio…

Environmental News Network - Rivers Choose Their Path Based on Erosion — A Discovery That Could Transform Flood Planning and Restoration

Rivers are Earth’s arteries. Water, sediment and nutrients self-organize into diverse, dynamic channels as they journey from the mountains to the sea.