Meander - GCSE Geography Definition

A meander is a bend or curve in a river, often forming a snake-like pattern. It happens when water in the river travels at different speeds around obstructions of sediment or areas of shallow and deep water (riffles and pools), causing the river to begin to move from side to side. Lateral erosion (hydraulic action and abrasion) undercuts the outer bank as the water moves faster, forming a river cliff. Sediment is deposited on the inner bank where the water is slower as a result of friction, creating a slip-off slope. This process causes the river to gradually change shape, creating large loops over time. Meanders are common in the middle and lower courses of a river, where the land is flatter, and the river flows more slowly compared to steep or rocky areas upstream. Understanding meanders helps students learn about how rivers shape the landscape.