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.