<P> An oxbow lake is a U-shaped lake that forms when a wide meander from the main stem of a river is cut off , creating a free - standing body of water . This landform is so named for its distinctive curved shape , which resembles the bow pin of an oxbow . In Australia , an oxbow lake is called a billabong , from the indigenous Wiradjuri language . In south Texas , oxbows left by the Rio Grande are called resacas . </P>
<P> An oxbow lake is a U-shaped lake that forms when a wide meander from the main stem of a river is cut off , creating a free - standing body of water . This landform is so named for its distinctive curved shape , which resembles the bow pin of an oxbow . In Australia , an oxbow lake is called a billabong , from the indigenous Wiradjuri language . In south Texas , oxbows left by the Rio Grande are called resacas . </P>
under what conditions does an oxbow lake form
under what conditions does an oxbow lake form
when a wide meander from the main stem of a river is cut off
when a wide meander from the main stem of a river is cut off