What is a defining characteristic of meandering streams?

Meandering streams are characterized by their winding, serpentine paths which develop primarily on gently sloping land where the substrate is soft and easily erodible. This allows the water flow to create curves and bends as it erodes the outer banks and deposits sediment on the inner banks.

In contrast to rugged terrains, where stream flows might be more direct and rapid due to steeper gradients, meandering streams thrive in flat areas where the slight incline promotes slow, steady movement. The composition of the substrate is crucial; softer materials such as sand, silt, and clay allow for significant alteration of the stream’s course over time as erosion occurs.

Other characteristics, such as steep drop-offs and rapid flows, do not apply to meandering streams; these features are more typical of fast-flowing mountain streams or rivers. Meandering streams also do not exhibit continuity with alluvial fans, which are distinct features formed by sediment deposition at the base of a slope where a stream loses energy. Thus, the definition and characteristics of meandering streams align most accurately with developing on gently sloping land with a soft substrate.