What is an oxbow lake?

An oxbow lake is a crescent-shaped lake formed when a river cuts off one of its meanders (bends), leaving the old river channel isolated from the main flow.

Over time, erosion and deposition narrow the neck of a meander. During floods or strong currents, the river may take a shorter, straighter path, cutting through the neck. The abandoned bend then becomes an oxbow lake.

Oxbow lakes are commonly found in river plains and are important habitats for fish, birds, and other wildlife.