Why do rivers curve and meander?
Show answer & explanation
Answer: Erosion on outside of bends
Following underground rocks — Wrong. Rivers don't follow underground rocks. Meanders form because water flows faster on the outside of bends, eroding banks and creating curves.
Erosion on outside of bends ✓ — Correct! Water flows faster on the outside of river bends (longer path), eroding banks there. Inside bends have slower water, depositing sediment. Over time, this differential erosion amplifies curves, creating snake-like meanders. Eventually, curves can become so extreme they cut through, forming oxbow lakes!
Earth's rotation deflects flow — Wrong. Coriolis effect does deflect large rivers slightly, but meanders form primarily from differential erosion on bend outsides versus deposition on insides.