Excess sediment in a stream or river can result in braided channel patterns. Braided channels typically form when a stream has a significant sediment load that exceeds its capacity to transport that sediment, leading to the formation of multiple interwoven channels. These channels often separate and rejoin as sediment bars build up and block the flow.
In contrast, straight and steep-walled channels are generally found in areas of higher energy where sediment transport is more efficient, while meandering channels usually form in lower gradient areas with stable banks. Anastomosing channels consist of multiple interconnected channels but are typically less influenced by excess sediment compared to braided channels. V-shaped valleys often occur in the early stages of river development, where erosion, rather than sediment load, is the dominant process.