1. Characteristics of a Mature Stream
Flows very slowly through a very large, broad, and flat floodplain.
This stream only erodes the sides of the stream.
Very large meanders form.
Meander – a curve formed from water eroding one side of the stream faster than the other side.

2. Cut Bank Erosion Streams erode the outside of a meander…
And deposit a point bar on the inside of the meander

3. Cut Bank Erosion Stream meanders erode to outside of a meander January
March, the same year

4. Erosion and deposition at meanders
Cut Bank erosion
Point bar deposition

6. Oxbow Lakes Example: Mississippi River, Passaic River
Oxbow lakes are common on these floodplains. They are formed when one of the large meanders gets cut off to form a lake.
Example: Mississippi River, Passaic River