Characteristics of a Mature Stream Flows very slowly through a very large, broad, and flat floodplain. This stream only erodes the sides of the stream. Very large meanders form. Meander – a curve formed from water eroding one side of the stream faster than the other side.
Cut Bank Erosion Streams erode the outside of a meander… And deposit a point bar on the inside of the meander
Cut Bank Erosion Stream meanders erode to outside of a meander January March, the same year
Erosion and deposition at meanders Cut Bank erosion Point bar deposition
Oxbow Lakes Example: Mississippi River, Passaic River Oxbow lakes are common on these floodplains. They are formed when one of the large meanders gets cut off to form a lake. Example: Mississippi River, Passaic River