How does an oxbow form

Spend some time observing the area. What types of creatures do you see that depend on this body of water? Check out this online animation that shows the different processes involved in the formation of an oxbow lake. Are there any oxbow lakes near where you live? Use online maps to look at rivers near where you live. Do you see any oxbow lakes on the map along the river's course? If you've never seen an oxbow lake, check out these oxbow lake photographs online.

Isn't it amazing how the power of water can carve out land the way it does? In what other ways do we depend upon the power of water? Did you get it? Test your knowledge. What are you wondering? Wonder Words pole grab enjoy collar scenic narrow distinct casting relaxing plowing channel sufficient recreation straightens throughout completely resemblance opportunities Take the Wonder Word Challenge.

Join the Discussion. Travis Jan 30, Feb 3, May 20, That's great, kaylan! Do you live near an oxbow lake? Thanks, grace. We love our Wonder Friends, too! Feb 1, Beckett Winsor Jan 30, Tommy Jan 30, I have never seen a oxbow lake before. New deposition seals off the ends and the cut-off becomes an ox bow lake that will eventually dry up, except during periods of very heavy rainfall.

Higher Subjects Higher Subjects up. Meanders that form oxbow lakes have two sets of curves: one curving away from the straight path of the river and one curving back. The corners of the curves closest to each other are called concave bank s. The concave banks erode over time. The force of the rivers flowing water wears away the land on the meanders concave banks.

The banks opposite the concave banks are called convex bank s. The opposite of erosion happens here. Silt and sediment build up on convex banks. This build-up is called deposition. Erosion and deposition eventually cause a new channel to be cut through the small piece of land at the narrow end of the meander. The river makes a shortcut. Oxbow lakes are the remains of the bend in the river. Oxbow lakes are stillwater lakes. This means that water does not flow into or out of them.

There is no stream or spring feeding the lake, and it doesnt have a natural outlet. Oxbow lakes often become swamp s or bog s, and they often dry up as their water evaporate s. Oxbow lakes can be rich wildlife habitat s. Along the Amazon River in South America, oxbow lakes are common and their still waters provide a unique habitat for plants and wildlife. Giant river otters frequently live in the Amazons oxbow lakes, and feed on about 5 kilograms 11 pounds of fish per day.

People often create oxbow lakes. The Mississippi River is shorter now than it was in the 19th century, for instance, because engineers have cut off hundreds of meanders. At the same time, it drops sediment, which contains particles of rock and sand, on the inner bank in a process called deposition. This causes the meanders to become grow bigger and bigger over time. Eventually the river may take a short cut, cutting across the narrow neck of the loop, leaving a separated U-shaped lake known as an oxbow.

This animation shows how an oxbow lake is formed, step by step. The water flows fastest around the outside of the bend. The fast-flowing water cuts away the outer bank.