Rivering

Rivering is a term used to describe the process of a river naturally changing its course over time. This phenomenon is a fundamental aspect of fluvial geomorphology and is driven by a combination of factors. Erosion, the wearing away of land by the force of water, plays a significant role. As a river flows, it carries sediment, which can abrade the riverbed and banks, gradually widening and deepening the channel. Deposition, the settling of sediment, also contributes to rivering. As water velocity decreases, sediment is dropped, which can build up in certain areas, altering the flow path.

Meandering is a common form of rivering where a river develops sinuous curves or bends. These meanders are formed by differential erosion and deposition. On the outside of a bend, water velocity is higher, leading to increased erosion. On the inside of the bend, water velocity is slower, causing sediment deposition. Over time, these processes cause the meanders to migrate across the floodplain. Avulsion is another significant aspect of rivering, where a river abandons its old channel and creates a new one. This can happen due to a sudden flood event that breaches the banks or the gradual accumulation of sediment that raises the riverbed, eventually allowing the water to find a shorter, steeper path. Oxbow lakes are often formed as a result of avulsion, where a meander loop is cut off from the main river channel. Understanding rivering is crucial for managing floodplains, designing infrastructure, and comprehending the dynamic nature of landscapes.