Distinctive patterns in the plan geometry of streams correspond to
distinctive combinations of cross-sectional form, calibre of bed load,
downstream slope, and in some cases cross-valley slope, tendency to cut
or fill, or position within the system. The full range of pattern has not been
identified: it includes straight, meandering, braided, reticulate,
anabranching, distributary, and irregular patterns. Although individual
patterns are given separate names, the total range constitutes a
continuum.