Meander

A meander is a curved bend or loop in a river’s path. As water flows over the landscape, it erodes the outer banks of a bend and deposits sediment on the inner banks, causing the river to develop winding curves. Over time, these bends become more pronounced, creating a sinuous, snake-like shape. Meanders form in relatively flat areas where the river slows down, and they are natural features that influence the river’s landscape, water flow, and ecosystems. They eventually can lead to the creation of oxbow lakes when a meander is cut off from the main channel.