ABSTRACT
The dynamic adjustments of alluvial channels can be explained by the stream power concept which was used to derive the functional relationship between total sediment concentration and unit stream power. The change of velocity, slope, roughness, channel geometry, and patterns are self-adjustments a river can make to minimize its rate of energy dissipation. The theory of minimum rate of energy dissipation states that when a river is in an equilibrium condition, the rate of energy dissipation is at its minimum value compatible with the constraints applied to the river. If the rate of energy dissipation is not at its minimum value compatible with the constraints, a river will adjust itself in such a manner that the rate of energy dissipation can be minimized to regain the equilibrium condition. River data support the validity of the unit stream power concept and the theory of minimum rate of energy dissipation.
