Explain the formation of a meander in a river.

This process starts with a slight bend in the river. This causes there to be a faster flow of water on the outside bend and slower water on the inside bend. The faster flow of water on the outside bend results in erosion on this side of the channel and slower water on inside bend causes deposition. This causes the meander to shift so that the bend in the river becomes more and more exaggerated. Eventually two outside bends get closer together as processes continue creating a small area of land separating the neck of the meander. Furthermore, if this is broken through, often in flood the river follows shortest course, leaving an ox bow lake without a water supply. Deposition completes separation over time.