Fluvial landforms resulting from erosion and deposition

Meanders: large bends in the river, typically found in the middle/lower courses. The outer bend has a river cliff due to erosion, while the inner bend has a slip-off slope due to deposition. The are formed when:
- The river flows faster on the outer bend of a meander, increasing erosion through hydraulic action and abrasion.
- Lateral erosion undercuts the riverbank, forming a river cliff.
- On the inner bend, the water flows slower due to friction, leading to deposition of material like sand and shingle, forming a slip-off slope.
Ox-bow lakes: a crescent-shaped lake formed when a meander is cut off from the main channel, found in the lower course of a river. They are formed when:
- Lateral erosion on the outer bends of a meander causes the bends to move closer, narrowing the meander neck.
- In a flood the river cuts through the neck creating a straight channel.
- Deposition seals off the old meander, leaving an ox-bow lake.

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