Fluvial Landform Features

Delta

When a river reaches an ocean, sea, estuary or lake, it deposits sediment. This deposition forms a number of smaller streams branching out from the main river and flowing into the stationary water body.

Braiding
When a river is carrying a lot of sediment it will divide into a series of diverging and converging channels. Eyots are formed by the deposited sediment.

Meanders
When a river flows at low gradients (gentle slopes) towards the middle and lower reaches of a river, repeated curves in the river channel will occur. Alternating pools and rifles develop. Sediment is deposited on the inside of the bend.

Oxbow lakes
During floods, the river may cut across the narrow neck of land separating two meander loops. The abandoned section is the oxbow lake.

Floodplain
Broad flat areas adjacent to the river.

Natural levee
Elevated ground which develops on either side of the main channel.