Describe the changes of characteristics of the river channel after channelization. Evaluate the pros and cons of channelization on the river channel and its neighbouring areas. Suggest ways to reduce the negative effects that may have occurred.

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Describe the changes of characteristics of the river channel after channelization. Evaluate the pros and cons of channelization on the river channel and its neighbouring areas. Suggest ways to reduce the negative effects that may have occurred. Give appropriate examples.

Channelization is carried out to modify a channel, usually to regulate river flow. However, this will cause great impact on the river system and also its neighbouring areas. Nevertheless, there are still ways to minimize negative effects of Channelization and people will adopt different measures to carry out channelization.

Characteristics of river channels will be changed after channelization. Firstly, rivers before channelization are usually winding and meandering. However, after channelization, the river channel would be straightened and less meandering. Secondly, the narrow river would also be widened after the modification. Thirdly, because the river was made less meandering, the channel length would become shorter than before. Fourthly, channel gradient would be increased and it will be steeper. Fifthly, the rugged channel bed will be smoothened after channelization taking place. These changes were contributed by the removal of obstructions along the river channel by human effort. As a result, the river flow would become faster and the capacity of the river would increase.

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There are different advantages for rivers to be channelized, firstly, it will provide more navigable waterways for ships. The stream will be more suitable for navigation and large ships which previously cannot pass through the channel can now pass through the river.

Secondly, channelization can also control flood. This promotes efficient irrigation and drainage of farmland along the river channel. The decrease in the danger of flood made the lands along the river more appropriate for agricultural purpose.

Thirdly, channelization can also reduce natural erosion at the concave banks of the river. There are often ...

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