Image for Louisiana (Oxbow lakes are common in this region)

Louisiana (Oxbow lakes are common in this region)

Louisiana's landscape features many oxbow lakes, which are curved, U-shaped bodies of water formed from old river bends. When a river changes course, the narrow meander is cut off from the main flow, creating a separate lake. These lakes are common in Louisiana's floodplain regions and contribute to the area's ecological diversity by providing habitat for wildlife and influencing local water systems. Oxbow lakes typically result from natural river processes over time, illustrating the dynamic nature of Louisiana’s waterways and landscape.