REGIME

"Regime theory" is a theory of the formation of channels in material carried by the stream. Used in this sense, the word "regime" applies only to streams that take at least part of their boundaries from their transported load and part of their transported load from their boundaries, carrying out the process at different places and times in any one stream in a balanced or alternating manner that prevents unlimited growth or removal of boundaries. A stream, river, or canal of this type is called a "regime stream, river, or canal." A regime channel is said to be "in regime" when it has achieved average equilibrium; that is, the average values of the quantities that constitute regime do not show a definite trend over a considerable period, generally, approximately a decade. In unspecialized use, "regime" and "regimen" are synonymous.