Studies of river morphology

A number of generalizations concerning the behavior and natural characteristics of river channels have been developed by the U.S. Geological Survey in several recently completed studies of river morphology. Measurements of parameters such as the discharge, suspended load, bed material, velocity of flow, channel slope, and channel shape indicate that many river channels are characterized by an orderly, progressive change of these variables from their headwaters to their mouths. The interaction of the variables and the establishment of a stable channel suggest that the morphology of the stream is controlled by a kind of equilibrium.