formation of an oxbow lake

Question 1

stage 1 of oxbow lake

Answer 1

the meander starts off as a slight bend and flows slowly on the inside and fast on the outside

Question 2

stage 2 of oxbow lake

Answer 2

the outside of the bend is eroded away whereas the inside is deposited

Question 3

stage 3 of oxbow lake

Answer 3

this deposition and erosion eventually forms a meander

Question 4

stage 4 of oxbow lake

Answer 4

it bends more and more over the years until a tight loop is formed

Question 5

stage 5 of oxbow lake

Answer 5

the water level eventually becomes high and gains enough energy to go straight across the loop rather than around it

Question 6

stage 6 of oxbow lake

Answer 6

this is called a meanser cut-off

Question 7

stage 7 of oxbow lake

Answer 7

the river keeps its new channel so the tight loop is left as its oxbow lake

Question 8

stage 8 of oxbow lake

Answer 8

after a long time, it silts and dries up, meaning that plants can finally grow on it