Explain the differences between the inside and outside of a river bend, in terms of both, depth of water, speed of river flow, bed load and features of erosion and deposton on either side of the river at a bend
These sites may help you answer the question.
http://sp.lyellcollection.org/cgi/content/abstract/75/1/13
http://www.ironbridge.org.uk/learning_old_230709/students/homework_help/geoexplorer/flooding/rivers.htm
http://74.125.93.132/search?q=cache:1LjIkk8t6UMJ:www.taw.org.uk/demo/geography/GeoExpFinal/documents/flooding/R2%2520RIVERS%2520(NOTES).doc+river+bend+water+flow+deposition&cd=7&hl=en&ct=clnk&ie=UTF-8
When a river flows through a bend, such as a meander, there are distinct differences between the inside and outside of the bend in terms of water depth, river flow speed, bed load, and features of erosion and deposition. Let's examine each of these differences:
1. Water Depth:
On the inside of a river bend, where the river channel curves towards the bend, the depth of water is usually greater. This is because the river flow is slower on the inside curve, allowing sediment to settle, which gradually builds up the riverbed and increases the depth.
On the outside of a river bend, where the river channel curves away from the bend, the water depth is typically shallower. The faster flow on the outside causes erosion, resulting in the removal of sediment and lowering the riverbed's elevation.
2. River Flow Speed:
The speed of the river flow also varies between the inside and outside of a river bend. On the inside of the bend, the flow is slower due to the reduced slope and increased deposition. This slower flow allows fine sediment particles to settle, contributing to the formation of bars and point bars on that side.
Conversely, the outside of a bend experiences faster flow due to the steeper slope caused by erosion. The velocity of the water on the outside can lead to the formation of meander scars and cut banks.
3. Bed Load:
The inside of a river bend tends to accumulate sediment due to reduced flow velocity. This accumulation of sediment forms point bars, which are elongated ridges of sand, gravel, and silt on the inner curve of a bend.
On the outside of a bend, where the flow is faster, erosion occurs, leading to the removal of sediment from the riverbed. This sediment is later deposited downstream or carried away as suspended load.
4. Erosion and Deposition Features:
The inside of a river bend experiences deposition and the formation of point bars due to slower flow and reduced velocity. Point bars are depositional features created by the river's lateral erosion. These bars consist of sediment accumulated on the inner curve over time.
On the outside of a bend, erosion is dominant. The faster flow erodes the bank, creating cut banks characterized by their steep, often vertical slopes. This erosion contributes to the lateral migration of the river's channel over time.
To understand and confirm these differences, it is often helpful to examine aerial imagery, topographical maps, or even conduct field surveys to track changes in the river's channel over time. Collecting data on water depth, flow velocity, sediment load, and the presence of erosion and deposition features on both sides of the bend can provide more detailed information and insights.