Külgmoodustus

Külgmoodustus, also known as lateral accretion, is a geological process that occurs in rivers and streams, particularly in meandering rivers. It is a form of sediment deposition that happens on the outer banks of a river bend, where the water flows more slowly due to the curvature of the river. This slower flow allows sediment to settle out of the water, building up the outer bank over time. The process is driven by the lateral migration of the river channel, which causes the outer bank to grow while the inner bank erodes. Külgmoodustus can lead to the formation of point bars, which are crescent-shaped deposits of sediment that accumulate on the outer banks of river bends. These point bars can eventually become connected, forming a floodplain. The process of külgmoodustus is influenced by various factors, including the river's discharge, sediment load, and the shape of the river channel. It plays a significant role in the evolution of river landscapes and the formation of floodplains.