What is a "meander" in terms of river geography?

A "meander" refers to a curve or turn in a river channel. This natural feature occurs as flowing water erodes the bank on one side while depositing sediment on the other, resulting in a sinuous path as the river winds through the landscape. Meanders are significant in river geography because they influence the flow dynamics, sediment transport, and habitat diversity within the river ecosystem. Understanding meanders is crucial when assessing river behavior, flood risks, and ecological impacts.

The other choices do not accurately represent the concept of a meander. A straight path in a river does not involve any curves or turns, while a barrier that stops river flow pertains to structures like dams rather than the natural configuration of a river. Lastly, a type of floodplain describes a flat area surrounding a river that may be inundated during high water events, rather than the bends within the river itself.