RIVER MORPHOLOGY

Morphology of rivers results from the transportation and deposition of sediments. The form of river
channels depend on geological, hydrological as well as sedimentological characteristics. Sediment particles
originate from slope and bank erosion and are carried by the river all along to its mouth. Soil variables are
much the same as geological variables (B.Przedwojski and R.Blazejewski, 1995). Hydrologic variables of
the river are slightly dependent on geological variables and to a much lesser extent on human activities.
For the purpose of river engineering, hydrologic variables are considered as independent. Geometric
variables result from the interaction between discharge, type and quantity of sediments and eventually on
the composition of the bank and bed material. A river may be forced into an unnatural condition due to
mans activities. However, it will always attempt to return back to its original condition by adjusting to all
the imposed factors.