 The city developed on both sides of the prominent Arkansas River , which flows in a wide , sandy @-@ bottomed channel . Its flow through the Tulsa area is controlled by upstream flood control reservoirs , but its width and depth can vary widely throughout the year , such as during periods of high rainfall or severe drought . A low @-@ water dam maintains a full channel at all times in the area adjacent to downtown Tulsa . This portion of the river is known as Zink Lake . 
