What Determines the Type of a River?

[Campus reveiw]

A river's characteristics depend on several environmental factors, including rainfall, groundwater, topography, sediment supply and the strength of its banks.

These factors help explain why some rivers flow throughout the year while others are seasonal or temporary. They also influence whether a river develops a relatively direct channel, winding bends or several interconnected channels.



It is important to remember that flow classification and channel classification describe different properties. A perennial river, for example, may also be meandering.

For an accessible overview, read this guide to river forms and flow patterns.

https://thecampusreview.com/geography/types-of-rivers/