What type of lake is formed from a cut-off meander and separated from the main river?

An ox-bow lake is specifically formed when a river meander becomes excessively curved and is eventually cutoff from the main river channel, often due to erosion and sediment deposition. This leads to the meander being isolated, forming a crescent-shaped lake.

The process typically involves the river cutting through the narrow neck of the meander during high flow conditions, disconnecting the meander from the river. Over time, sediment accumulates at both ends of the cut-off section, creating a distinct body of still water that we identify as an ox-bow lake. This type of lake embodies the dynamic nature of river systems and highlights the processes of erosion and deposition that modify landscapes.

Understanding ox-bow lakes allows us to see the changes in river courses over time and how they contribute to the broader landscape, differentiating it from other types of lakes that are formed through different geological or hydrological processes.