How is a meander formed? (4 marks)

Meanders often occur in the middle course of a river as the water begins to move at a faster pace. As the water flows around a bend it is pushed towards the outer bank of the curve and this increases the levels of erosion, both abrasion and hydraulic action. As the erosion continues the lower parts of the bank begin to undercut and create a river cliff. On the inside bank of the bend water moves much slower and there is much less energy therefore deposition occurs as the water can no longer carry the sediment - the build up of this sediment is called a slip-off slope.