Biegebäche

Biegebäche is a term of German origin that translates to "bending streams" or "meandering streams." In geography and hydrology, it refers to a type of stream or river that exhibits a sinuous, winding course across a landscape. This meandering pattern is a natural process that occurs over time as a river erodes its banks and deposits sediment.

The formation of Biegebäche is primarily driven by the dynamics of water flow and the erodibility of the surrounding land. As water flows, it exerts a force on the stream bed and banks. Areas of faster flow, typically on the outside of a bend, cause erosion, while areas of slower flow, on the inside of a bend, lead to deposition of sediment. This continuous cycle of erosion and deposition shapes the characteristic S-shaped curves of a meandering river.

Factors influencing the development and degree of meandering include the slope of the land, the type of soil or rock, and the volume and velocity of water flow. Gently sloping terrain and easily erodible materials tend to promote more pronounced meandering. Over long periods, these bends can become so exaggerated that a section of the river may be cut off, forming an oxbow lake. Biegebäche are common in lowlands, floodplains, and deltas where the landscape is relatively flat.