The outer curve
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The fastest part of a meandering river is typically on the outside of a bend where the water accelerates due to the increased centrifugal force. This faster flow erodes the outer bank of the bend and deposits sediment on the inner bank.
The main erosion at a bend in a river or meandering channel is known as lateral erosion. This occurs on the outside of the curve where the water flow is fastest, leading to the wearing away of the outer bank through the process of hydraulic action and abrasion.
The Mississippi River is primarily a meandering river, characterized by its sinuous, looping flow. However, it can display some braided characteristics in certain sections where the river channel splits into multiple smaller channels that rejoin downstream.
Meandering generally results in a decrease in gradient because the river's path lengthens as it winds back and forth. The energy of the flowing water is dissipated as it moves through the meanders, causing the river to slow down and the gradient to decrease.
A crescent-shaped lake formed by a river meander is called an oxbow lake. It occurs when a meandering river cuts off a meander bend, forming a U-shaped body of water separated from the main river channel. Oxbow lakes are often found in flat landscapes and are a natural part of a river's evolution.
The Hudson River is considered mature. It has been flowing for millions of years, resulting in the broad valley and meandering path that characterize mature river systems.