Which process triggers the formation of oxbow lakes in alluvial plains?

💡 Explanation

When river meanders in alluvial plains experience lateral erosion due to hydraulic action, the river neck narrows because differential erosion increases curvature, eventually cutting off the meander loop thus forming an oxbow lake. Therefore lateral processes cause a cutoff, rather than tectonic uplift sediment supply or increased flow gradient which require other geologic factors.

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