In a narrow valley produced by downcutting, the angles or curves on one side of a valley correspond to the angles or curves of the other side. Broad valleys result where lateral cutting prevails over downcutting, often in lowland areas. They are flat-bottomed, wider than they are deep. The velocity of the river is greatest on the outside of curves, which increases the lateral cutting. Lower velocities on the inner bank of a meander enhances deposition there.
Meanders crawl along a valley, eventually migrating downstream because of the slope of the valley.
A narrow bridge of land between two adjacent meander loops. If the downstream meander has encountered more resistant rock, the upstream meander will overtake it and cut through the isthmus, forming an oxbow lake. Arises if a river cuts through an isthmus while also continuing to follow the meander. Forms from an abandoned meander whose ends silt up. A dried up oxbow lake, perhaps filled with vegetation.