The water on the inside of the curve moves more slowly, while the water on the outside of the curve moves more quickly. When water flows through a curve, even a very slight one, it actually moves at different speeds. ![]() However, slight differences in elevation mean that even the straightest rivers have slight curves. When rivers are first formed, they tend to run more or less in a straight line. Have you ever seen a top-down photograph of a river that follows a serpentine path, almost like an S-shape? Those back-and-forth curves are called meanders – that’s where the term “meandering river” comes from. This kind of path is called an “incised meander,” and it occurs when millions of years of flowing water cause the riverbed itself to move. The bend in question is a 270-degree curve where the Colorado River essentially doubles back on itself, creating a horseshoe shape. ![]() ![]() Horseshoe Bend is a popular tourist destination for its spectacular views, but it’s also a great example of a pretty interesting geological phenomenon.
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