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What is an Oxbow Lake and How is it Formed?

By BYJU'S Exam Prep

Updated on: November 14th, 2023

Oxbow Lake is formed through various natural processes such as deposition and erosion. These are small lakes with curves and bends in an abandoned river channel. Curved bends or U-shaped formations called meanders in the river are separated from the primary river flow, forming a lake. Oxbow Lake is formed through various natural processes. These are tiny lakes in an abandoned river channel with curves and bends.

Formation of Oxbow Lakes

Curved bends or U-shaped formations called meanders in the river are separated from the primary river flow, forming a lake. For example, Kanwar Lake is the largest bull lake in Asia and India. It is a freshwater lake located in the Begusarai district of Bihar. These lakes usually form in a flat, low-lying plain where the river drains into another water body.

Curved and twisted rivers are carved differently through the surrounding topography. The last loop of the meander gets closer and closer due to sedimentation and continuous erosion at the edges of meanders.

Eventually, the meandering spiral bisects the river, creating a bull lake. If only one loop is cut, the lake becomes crescent, whereas if more than one loop is cut, the lake becomes tilted or curved. Hence, in due course, the meander loop cuts off to form an oxbow lake.

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