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Channel a natural passageway or perceptible depression containing continuously or periodically flowing water, or forming a connecting link between two bodies of water. Channels may be of three types: (i) a river bed; (ii) a relatively narrow stretch of sea between two landmasses and connecting two more extensive areas of sea; and (iii) the deep, navigable part of a bay, harbour, etc. In Bangladesh, the first form of channel is quite extensive.
The river channels of Bangladesh are classified on such basis
as morphological features of the network, relationship to bed and bank
characteristics, sedimentary or hydrological processes, morphology of
the channel or its pattern, or stability of the channel. On the basis
of channel planform, the rivers
of Bangladesh may be divided into three patterns: (i) meandering, (ii)
braided, and (iii) anabranching. The padma
and the meghna
are examples of meandering channel, the jamuna
of the braided type, and the deltaic estuarine rivers are instances
of anabranching channels. The anabranching channels are also seen in the
coastal areas. Most of the channels are used extensively for navigation
and fishing. Some important coastal channels are Maheshkhali, Kutubdia,
Tentulia and Sandwip. [Mohd Shamsul Alam]
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