Describe the formation of a meander

Meanders occur where water flow is turbulent. This turbulence causes there to be areas of faster and slower moving water causing variations in the rates of erosion and deposition. These variations cause the formation of pool and riffles sequences. Due to this water flow changes to move around these pools and riffles and flows as Helicoidal flow in the direction of the thalweg (the line of fastest motion). During heilicoidal flow water moves deeply to the outside bank which is eroded and then becomes shallower as it returns to the inside bank causing it to slow and deposit material. This process causes point bars and slip off slopes to form. The repetition of this action over time causes the meander to grow in size.