Question

how are oxbow lakes formed

Answer 1

When a meander gets big enough, it will start to pinch off from the river. When the final pinch occurs, you have an oxbow lake, a body of water completely detached from the river.

Answer 2

Answer:

Ox-bow lakes are formed due to erosion and deposition by rivers. ln the plains, the  meandering loops of rivers become almost circular and come so close to each other that the  river is able to erode the land between the two loops and take a straight course. The circular  loop which is completely cut-off from the main river forming as an ox-bow lake.