Answer
The evolution of a meander involves the continuous lateral shifting of the stream's channel over time. Initially, the stream may follow a straight path. As it flows, it erodes the outer banks of bends and deposits sediment on the inner banks through a process called erosion and deposition. This results in the development of gentle curves or meanders in the stream's course. Over time, the meanders become more pronounced, and the stream continues to erode the outer banks and deposit sediment on the inner banks.
As the meander continues to develop, the neck of the meander may become narrower due to the continued erosion of the outer bank. Eventually, the neck of the meander may be breached during a flood event, creating a new, shorter path for the stream. The old meander becomes isolated from the main flow of the river and forms an oxbow lake.
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