Which process primarily controls the formation rate of oxbow lakes along meandering riverine floodplains?

💡 Explanation

When a meandering river's outer bank experiences faster flow, differential erosion ensues because of increased shear stress, causing the meander loop to migrate and eventually cut off, forming an oxbow lake. Therefore differential erosion controls formation rate, rather than isostatic rebound, subduction, or hydrothermal vents, which are unrelated geological processes.

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