Ox-bow lakes are horseshoe-shaped lakes found on the flood plains of old rivers.
They are formed by river erosion and deposition.
An example can be seen on the River Moy.
Formation
Erosion by hydraulic action and abrasion takes place on the outside bank of the meander. The neck of land between the meander begins to narrow.
During times of flood, after heavy rain, the water has increased energy. It takes the shortest course to break through the neck and begins to flow in a new, more direct course.
Deposits of alluvium now build up and seal off both ends of the meander. The old section of the meander is now cut off from the main river and becomes known as an ox-bow lake. Over time, the lake may dry up.
