Spatio-temporal scaling of channels in braided streams

The spatio-temporal scaling relationship for individual channels in braided streams is shown to be identical to the spatio-temporal scaling associated with constant Froude number, e.g. Fr=1. A means to derive this relationship is developed from a new theory of sediment transport. The mechanism by which the Fr=1 condition apparently governs the scaling seems to derive from the sensitivity of sediment transport to flow fluctuations when Fr=1. The condition Fr=1 is also given a theoretical basis using arguments from surface roughness.