| Channels in alluvial plains | Channels in mountains | Classification of channels | ||
| Delta | Flood plain | Alluvial fan | ||
| Muddy | Sandy | Gravelly | Rock, gravel | Riverbed materials |
| Bifurcated, strait, meandering | Meandering, strait | Braided | Strait braided | Channel pattern |
| Suspension | Traction, suspension | Traction | Debris flow, traction | Transportation by running water |
| Deep | Shallow to deep | Shallow | various | Depth of channel |
| Gentler than 1/1000 | 1/100 to 1/2000 | 1/50 to 1/500 | Steeper than 1/100 | Gradient of riverbed |