Formation of an oxbow lake

Question 3 (5 marks)

Explain how an oxbow lake is formed from a meander.

Mark scheme (AO1 + AO2, 5 marks):

• A tight meander develops; erosion on the outer bank and deposition on the inner bank (1 mark)
• The neck of land between the two bends becomes very narrow (1 mark)
• During a flood, the river cuts across the neck by hydraulic action (1 mark)
• The meander loop is cut off from the main channel (1 mark)
• Deposition seals the entrance; an oxbow lake forms (1 mark)