FactFile

The Formation of Meanders and Ox-Bow Lakes Varun Tumuluru

Arvian Hesketh

Carlotta Paone

10/02/14

1

River Landforms:

FIGURE 1: RIVER LANDFORMS1

Figure 1 depicts the various different landforms that a formed across a river basin, and from the

source to the mouth can include tributaries; confluences; deltas; levees; meanders; ox-bow lakes and

so on. This factsheet will focus primarily on the formation of meanders and ox-bow lakes.

1 (Podbury, 2013)

The Formation of Meanders and Ox-Bow Lakes Varun Tumuluru

Arvian Hesketh

Carlotta Paone

10/02/14

2

Meanders: are often located in the middle course of rivers, they are winding curves or bends in

rivers2

FIGURE 2: MEANDER CROSS-SECTION3

Figure 2 depicts a cross section of a meandering river; portraying the water speed: slowest on the

inside bend, and fastest on the outside. The erosion and deposition; the former of which takes place in

the outer bend - forming a river cliff, while the latter taking place on the inside bend (low velocity),

creating a slip-off slope of sediment

FIGURE 3: FORMATION OF A MEANDER.4

Figure 3 depicts the formation of a meander; detailed stages are below:

2 (Bennett, 2010) 3 (i-Study, n.d.) 4 (Field Studies Council, 2010)

The Formation of Meanders and Ox-Bow Lakes Varun Tumuluru

Arvian Hesketh

Carlotta Paone

10/02/14

3

1. During low hydraulic radius and flows, the river deposits sediment in alternating bars that

create riffles.

2. The latter lowers the hydraulic radius for the area and water flows more inefficiently over it.

3. In turn, water flows around them.

4. This creates variations in flow and introduces a side to side motion to the water.

5. Between these shallow riffle areas deeper areas called pools are eroded. At times of higher

flow, water swings around one side of a riffle; undercutting the opposite bank through erosion...