If a stream has a sinuosity ratio between 1.2-1.4, how would it be classified?

A stream with a sinuosity ratio between 1.2 and 1.4 is classified as having a "moderate" sinuosity. Sinuosity is a measure of how much a stream meanders compared to a straight line between two points along its course.

When the sinuosity ratio is in the range of 1.2 to 1.4, it indicates that the stream exhibits some degree of meandering, but it is not excessively winding. A ratio below 1.2 would typically suggest a straighter channel, while a higher ratio would indicate more pronounced meanders, classifying it as a "strong" sinuosity. Thus, a ratio within the 1.2 to 1.4 range aligns well with the moderate classification, making this classification appropriate for streams displaying a balanced level of curvature without extreme deviation from a straight path.

Understanding sinuosity is crucial, as it can influence the ecological dynamics of the stream, sediment transport, and habitat availability along the waterway.