Model river meanders

The model river meanders describes the formation of meanders, it is a physical geography model and compared to the other options presented hier rather complex.

If the model runs to slow try running it here

Use the model

Try to answer the following questions by adjusting the settings of the model world using the sliders:

• How does sedimentation impact the formation of meanders?
• How does erosion impact the formation of meanders?
• Can you delay the formation of meanders? Try to maximize the delay.
• What is the maximum sinuosity?

Understand the model

Try to understand how the model works, and read the model info section to access the fundamental ideas.

• How does the erosion process start?
• Why do the meanders become bigger and bigger?
• Why is there a maximum for the sinuosity?

Prepare to present your model to your peers in a max of 5 minutes. You may cooperate with other groups working on the same model.

Interpreting the model

To become scientifically literate, students should learn to:

• identify questions
• acquire new knowledge
• explain scientific phenomena
• draw evidence-based conclusions

In consideration of these aims, please think about:

• A real-world scenario, the model can be interpreted for.
• An according research question that can be investigated by applying the model.
• The knowledge gained by applying the model.
• The evidence this knowledge is based on.

Prepare to present your considerations to your peers in a max of 5 minutes. You may cooperate with other groups working on the same model.