Slide 10 of 66
Notes:
In this simulation the exponents of gradient and contributing area in the fluvial erosion equation have been altered so that the channel profiles are less concave (more nearly linear). As a result, the spatial pattern of channels changes, and in particular, the angles of stream junction are lower (see Howard, A.D., 1971, Optimal angles of stream junction: geometric, stability to capture, and minimum power criteria, Water Resourc. Res., 7, 863-873). This simulation illustrates that the vertical (profile) characteristics of the fluvial network influences the areal (planview) pattern of the network as well.
Also note that for low convexity channels streams tend to follow very direct courses from their origin to the controlling base level.
