Meanders are formed in the lower course of a river.

- The formation of meanders is a characteristic feature of the lower course of a river.
- In the upper course, the river flows swiftly through steep slopes and valleys, eroding the land and creating a V-shaped valley.
- As the river progresses into the middle course, the velocity of the water decreases, and the river begins to meander.

Formation of Meanders:
- Meanders are formed due to the combination of erosion, transportation, and deposition processes in the river.
- The river erodes the outer bend of the meander through a process called lateral erosion, while deposition occurs on the inner bend.
- This continuous erosion and deposition cause the meander to gradually migrate downstream over time.

Process of Meander Formation:
1. Lateral Erosion:
- The river erodes the outer bend of the meander through hydraulic action and abrasion.
- The high velocity of water on the outer bend causes the river to cut into the bank, creating a river cliff.

2. Deposition:
- On the inner bend of the meander, the velocity of the water decreases, causing sediment to be deposited.
- This deposition forms a gently sloping bank called a slip-off slope.

3. Migration:
- Over time, the continuous erosion on the outer bend and deposition on the inner bend cause the meander to migrate downstream.
- The meander slowly changes its shape, becoming more pronounced and curved.

Characteristics of Meanders:
- Meanders are characterized by their sinuous shape, with smooth curves and bends in the river.
- They often have a deeper channel on the outer bend and a shallower channel on the inner bend.
- Oxbow lakes can also form when the meander becomes cut off from the main channel due to the migration of the river.

Conclusion:
- Meanders are a common feature found in the lower course of a river.
- The combination of erosion, transportation, and deposition processes creates the characteristic sinuous shape of meanders.