Quasi‐Universal Length Scale of River Anabranches

Looping patterns, where channels divide and reconnect further downstream, are widespread in natural rivers. Here, we build an extensive dataset of different gravel-bed sand-bed rivers around the world encompassing a wide range physiographic sedimentological conditions. Field data show existence quasi-universal relations for anabranches length when scaled with bankfull hydraulic geometry variables main upstream channel. The dimensionless is found to be nearly slope-invariant, identifying clear difference respect deltaic systems. This scaling relationship explained by interpreting dynamics river loops as basically controlled two-way interaction between their constitutive elements, bifurcations confluences. identification scale provides insight on morphological evolution multi-thread networks constitutes key information design self-sustaining restoration interventions.