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Fluvial Processes 3

The meander channles are normal features and can also change constantly, Naotou, Taiwan

The meander channles are normal features and can also change constantly, Naotou, Taiwan
Image Credit: C. H. Jen, 2004

The changes in the river from meandering are common in areas with varied topography. Meandering is caused by the changing energy in the river system. A change in velocity of the river will result in changes in the cross section, erosion of the bed, channel shape, the channel roughness (texture of the bed of the channel) and gradient. When the velocity of a river begins to fall the stream no longer has the competence or capacity to carry the entire load. So starting with the largest particles, material begins to be deposited. As the material is deposited, it leads to formation of meanders and eventually ox bow lakes.

Please enable Flash.

Ox bow lakes are common in a river due to changing input in the rainfall. Thus increasing rainfall can have effects on the morphology of the channel. Changes in the river channel. Accelerated soil erosion associated with climate change is also linked to land use changes by human beings. These issues have been discussed further in the soil erosion website.

   Stop and Think!

Look at the flash above and explain the development of ox bow lakes.