Meander properties of Venusian channels

Venusian channels, which probably are lava channels, have meander properties that relate to their mode of formation. Their channel meanders probably formed in response to flow dynamics, as in the case of terrestrial rivers, but low sinuosity indicates less developed morphology. The meanders generally follow terrestrial river trends for wavelength (L) to width (W) ratios, suggesting an equilibrium adjustment of channel form. Slightly higher L/W, in comparison to terrestrial rivers, occurs for Venusian channel types other than sinuous rilles. The usually low L/W values for some Venusian and lunar sinuous rilles probably indicate modification of original meader patterns by erosional channel widening by lavas. The slightly larger radius of curvature to wavelength ratios of Venusian channels may be attributed to the short time during which the lavea channels formed, and/or they may represent a quasi-equilibrium state for the system. -from Authors