Which outcome commonly results when river downcutting slows and lateral erosion continues within a meander bend?

💡 Explanation

Oxbow lake formation results from continued lateral erosion, wherein the river takes a shorter, steeper path across the floodplain via channel cutoff; this is termed meander cutoff, because it shortens the channel; therefore, an oxbow lake forms, rather than the meander persisting.

• Which outcome arises when increased sediment deposition at an alluvial fan's distributary channels exceeds the channel's incision rate?
• Which risk increases when a warming climate thaws discontinuous permafrost beneath taiga forest?
• Which outcome develops because of glacial retreat forming increased alluvial deposition?
• Which process explains differences in fjord sill depth and isostatic rebound rates?
• Which lateral effect results when groundwater pressure changes along a transform fault line?
• Which outcome occurs when seasonal meltwater floods a glacial valley?