Patterns in river channel sinuosity of the Meuse, Roer and Rhine rivers in the Lower Rhine Embayment rift-system, are they tectonically forced?

The tectonic and fluvial setting of the Rhine-Meuse river system in Lower Rhine Embayment rift is exceptionally well known. 19th century, pre-regulation courses three rivers are used to study a postulated sinuosity response faulting. fault-perpendicular Meuse River shows patterns changes at different spatial scales. large-scale (>5 km) related mainly faulting-induced subsurface lithology, determining bed bank characteristics. However, smaller scale, some fault-related channel anomalies observed. fault-parallel Roer normal, non-tectonic longitudinal gradient change. Sinuosity predominantly lithological differences reduced incision rates. can thus be an indicator motions, but gradient, lithology composition determine as well. Therefore, change no proof for fault activity. On other hand, absence does not imply inactivity geological time-scales.