Describe the formation of an Oxbow lake

An Oxbow lake is a middle-course feature of a river which is caused water eroding the corner of a meander, resulting in an isolated corner containing a body of water. This happens as the velocity of the water constructs a more efficient passage through the river channel. The higher the volume of water and the faster the velocity then the erosion rate will increase. Oxbow lakes are often formed over long periods as meanders generally have large sweeping gaps between each other.

MP
Answered by Marius P. Geography tutor

6098 Views

See similar Geography GCSE tutors

Related Geography GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Explain how stacks and stumps form


What is globalisation?


Explain how different landforms may be created by the transport and deposition of sediment along the coast.


How are erosional glacial landforms formed, for example a u-shaped valley?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning