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Streams that split into a number of intertwined channels separated by islands or channel bars are called braided streams. Such a condition indicates that the stream can not carry the full load because of either a change in stream gradient or an excessive contribution of source material. As these intertwining channels become filled with sand and gravel, the outwash plain will contain many long narrow deposits of coarse material.
Braided streams are not considered as meandering channels which would imply erosion rather than deposition. Distributaries occur where streams enter a deltaic system and split into a number of independent channels. Such a situation involving a delta is somewhat different from a braided stream.
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