Meanders and Oxbow Lakes
Inside of a Meander
-Deposition -Slow flow -Shallow -Low energy -By the Slip-off Slope
Outside of a Meander
-Erosion -Fast flow -Deep -High energy -By the River Cliff
Formation of an Oxbow Lake (Stage 4/4)
Deposition cuts off the original meander to leave an oxbow lake.
Formation of an Oxbow Lake (Stage 3/4)
Erosion continues at the neck of 2 Meanders and creates a narrow gap which eventually lets the river break through.
Formation of an Oxbow Lake (Stage 1/4)
Fastest flow on the outside will erode the bank by abrasion whilst Deposition will happen inside where the flow is the slowest.
Lateral erosion
sideways erosion
What is a Meander?
A Meander is a bend in a river, caused by erosion and deposition.
What is an Oxbow Lake?
An Oxbow Lake is a horse-shoe shaped body of water cut off from a Meander by erosion and deposition.
Formation of an Oxbow Lake (Stage 2/4)
Overtime, the meander gets bigger as the erosion and deposition continue.