Which mechanism accelerates floodplain widening in a meandering river exhibiting alluvial terraces?

💡 Explanation

When alluvial terraces exist, differential erosion affects floodplain widening because varying resistance of terrace layers leads to enhanced lateral undercutting and bank collapse. Therefore, differential erosion of terrace stratigraphy accelerates widening, rather than base level fall, increased aggradation, or decreased sinuosity, each requiring alternative independent mechanisms.

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