Question

What are oxbow lakes and how do they form?

O Oxbow lakes are formed when a stream channel erodes deeply, forming a local
lake.
O xbow lakes are watering holes for oxen and cattle near rivers, excavated by
humans.
O xbow lakes are the name given to plunge pools below wide waterfalls.
O xbow lakes are cut-off meanders, left behind as a flooding stream takes a
shorter path downstream.
O xbow lakes are a stagnant part of a stream that is shaped like an ox's yoke.

Answer 1

Oxbow lakes are U-shaped bodies of water that form when a river creates a new, shorter course, leaving behind a cut-off meander loop.

Step-by-step explanation:

Oxbow lakes are a type of meander that have been cut off from the rest of the river. They form when a river meanders significantly, creating a narrow neck of land between the bends. During high flow events, such as flooding, the river may erode through the narrow neck and take a new, shorter course. This leaves the old meander loop disconnected from the current flow of the river, forming an oxbow lake. These lakes are usually U-shaped and can be identified as the stagnant parts of a stream. They exist in various locations, including the Eastern Woodlands, where they have historically provided fresh water and served as fruitful hunting and fishing grounds.