Oxbow: meaning, definitions and examples
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oxbow
[ หษksboส ]
geographical feature
An oxbow is a U-shaped body of water that forms when a river meanders and changes course, creating a curved lake-like structure. This geographic feature can result from the erosion of riverbanks and sediment deposition. Over time, an oxbow can become isolated from the main river channel as sediment fills in the connecting arms. Oxbows are significant for local ecosystems, often supporting diverse wildlife.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- We spotted an oxbow lake during our hike along the river.
- The oxbow was teeming with fish and birds.
- Scientists study oxbows to understand river dynamics.
Translations
Translations of the word "oxbow" in other languages:
๐ต๐น meandro
๐ฎ๐ณ เคฌเคพเคเคง
๐ฉ๐ช Altwasser
๐ฎ๐ฉ meander
๐บ๐ฆ ะทะผัะนะบะฐ
๐ต๐ฑ meander
๐ฏ๐ต ่่ก
๐ซ๐ท mรฉandre
๐ช๐ธ meandro
๐น๐ท kฤฑvrฤฑm
๐ฐ๐ท ๊ตฌ๋ถ๊ตฌ๋ถํ
๐ธ๐ฆ ุชุนุฑุฌ
๐จ๐ฟ meandr
๐ธ๐ฐ meander
๐จ๐ณ ๅผฏๆฒ
๐ธ๐ฎ meander
๐ฎ๐ธ meander
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะธัะปะณะตะฝ
๐ฌ๐ช แแ แฃแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ dรถnmษ
๐ฒ๐ฝ meandro
Etymology
The term 'oxbow' comes from the shape traditionally associated with the harnessing of an ox. It reflects a curved, U-shaped form resembling the yoke used to harness oxen for plowing or pulling loads. The usage of 'oxbow' to describe a river's meandering shape became more prominent in the 19th century, as geological and geographical studies began to explore river formations more deeply. As rivers meander, they erode banks and deposit sediments, leading to the formation of these distinctive U-shaped bodies of water. The significance of oxbows in ecology and geography continues to be a subject of study, highlighting their role in shaping landscapes and ecosystems.