ADendritic
BRectangular
CBraided
DTrellis
Answer:
C. Braided
Read Explanation:
Braided River Patterns
Formation: Braided rivers develop when a stream's capacity to transport sediment is exceeded by its actual sediment load. This forces the river to deposit excess material in the channel, creating temporary islands known as eyots or braids.
Key Characteristics: These rivers are characterized by a wide, shallow, and unstable channel network that frequently splits and reunites.
Hydrological Conditions: They are highly associated with variable discharge, often occurring in environments with rapid seasonal changes in water volume, such as glacial meltwater zones or arid regions with flash flooding.
Sediment Dynamics: High sediment loads, typically dominated by coarse-grained materials like sand and gravel, are essential for the formation of these patterns.
Geographic Significance: In the Indian subcontinent, the Brahmaputra River is a classic example of a braided river system, particularly as it exits the Himalayas and enters the plains of Assam.
Distinction: Unlike meandering rivers, which generally maintain a single, sinuous channel in stable, low-gradient landscapes, braided systems are dynamic and prone to significant channel shifting during high-flow events.