An oxbow lake is formed when a meander in a river is cut off from the main river channel. This is normally a natural process as meanders form in areas of low slope, and in flood plains as the path of the river begins to wander back and forth creating meanders and curves.
Substrate that is carried downstream constantly erodes the outside bank of the meander as a result of hydraulic action and abrasion, while depositing material on the inside bank. This happens when the fastest flow in the river is forced to the outside bank on the curves, and the slowest flow occurs along the inside bank.
Another way for a meander to be abandoned is through a flood. The high flow during a flood bypass the long winding pathways for a more direct route before the meanders have a chance to connect.
To Log this earthcache, please send me the answers to the following questions.
1. Has this Oxbow Lake been totally cut off from the main river, or partially cut off? Will seasonal flooding along the Napanee River cause the river to meander through the oxbow lake?
2. What is the width of the opening at the eastern end of the oxbow lake? What is the width of the opening at the western end?
3. From your understanding of how an oxbow lake forms, do you think this oxbow was formed due to natural erosion, seasonal flooding or man intervening to straighten the river.
