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Erosion
Water in a stream flows fastest on the outside of the river bend. This increased velocity of the water causes more erosion and displacement of material from the sides of the river bank. This gradual erosion stretches the river's edges, eventually forming more curved river bends. The phenomenon occurs at numerous places throughout the course of the river, causing the river to take on a more sinuous and meandering shape.
Deposition
Water in a stream flows slowest on the inside of the river bend. At this point, material carried by the river is moving at a slower rate, increasing material deposition. Material then builds up on the insides of river bends, enhancing the curvature of the river. This deposition also occurs at numerous places throughout the course of the river, adding to the river's sinuous and meandering shape.
Oxbow Lake
As a stream or river continues to curve along its length, the curvature of the bends can become increasingly larger. The meandering river forms a ''neck'' --- a point where the amount of erosion on the outer bends causes the stream to join at different points. This joining of the river banks allows the water to flow straight through, taking the most direct route. The previous curved route taken by the river becomes sealed off, creating a landform called an oxbow lake.
Major Meandering Rivers
One of the world's most famous meandering rivers or streams is the San Juan River, Utah, according to the Center for Scientific Creation. The river meanders a total distance of 5 miles, even though the river only flows for about a mile as the crow flies. Another famous curvy river, the Kissimmee River in Florida, travels a distance of more than 130 miles.