What is the name for the curve in a stream?

What is the name for the curve in a stream?

• A. Delta
• B. Meander
• C. Gorge
• D. Channel

Answer: (B)

The winding curve in a stream is called a meander. This happens because flowing water tends to erode the outside edge of a bend where its speed is greatest, while sediment is deposited on the inside edge where the flow is slower. Over time, these opposing processes create pronounced curves that loop back and forth across the landscape, giving streams their characteristic sinuous shape. Along these curves you can often spot a cut bank on the outer side of the bend and a point bar on the inner side where sediment accumulates. Other terms describe different features. A delta forms where a river enters a larger body of water and drops most of its sediment, building a landform at the mouth. A gorge is a deep, narrow valley carved by the river, usually through steep bedrock. A channel refers to the overall path of the river itself, not specifically the curved segment within a floodplain.

The winding curve in a stream is called a meander. This happens because flowing water tends to erode the outside edge of a bend where its speed is greatest, while sediment is deposited on the inside edge where the flow is slower. Over time, these opposing processes create pronounced curves that loop back and forth across the landscape, giving streams their characteristic sinuous shape. Along these curves you can often spot a cut bank on the outer side of the bend and a point bar on the inner side where sediment accumulates.

Other terms describe different features. A delta forms where a river enters a larger body of water and drops most of its sediment, building a landform at the mouth. A gorge is a deep, narrow valley carved by the river, usually through steep bedrock. A channel refers to the overall path of the river itself, not specifically the curved segment within a floodplain.