Between bends and their deeper Pools are shallower and straighter sections of a stream called a riffle. The outer side of a bend there is often a deep area called a pool. This is another riffle-a shallow area between pools. Riffles are areas where sediment is deposited and temporarily stored.

On the inside of a bend is this LEFT point bar. This is an area of sediment deposition. Here the stream moves slowly and drops some of its sediment load.

On the inside of this bend is a RIGHT point bar--also an area of sand and gravel deposition. The imaginary line connecting the deepest part of the channel is called the thalweg.

The faster-moving stream along the outside of a channel bend erodes a cut bank.

More about real streams

Meandering is produced by both erosion and deposition of sediment.

Riffles (straight sections between bends) and point bars (on the inside of a meander bend) are places where sediment is deposited and temporarily stored. Pools and cutbanks (on the outside of a bend) are places where sediment is eroded or removed. Stream erosion and deposition generally occur during periods of flooding. An imaginary line connecting the deepest parts of a stream channel is called a thalweg.

Move your mouse cursor over the points marked "X" on the left diagram to find descriptions of some of the features of a meandering stream. Then respond to the questions below by matching the red letter in the image on the right with its corresponding term.

Herd Creek, Idaho: View in the downstream direction during low discharge.

1. riffle
A B C D E F G

5. cutbank on left bank
A B C D E F G

2. upstream pool
A B C D E F G

6. point bar on right bank
A B C D E F G

3. downstream pool
A B C D E F G

7. point bar on left bank
A B C D E F G

4. cutbank on right bank
A B C D E F G