An ox-bow lake is usually located in a river valley. It is a U-shaped lake that forms when a meandering river erodes its outer banks and forms a new, straighter channel. This leaves behind a crescent-shaped body of water that is separated from the main channel of the river.
Ox-bow lakes are typically found in low-lying areas of river valleys, where the river's flow is slow and the sediment load is high. They are formed over time as the river meanders back and forth, eroding the outer banks and depositing sediment on the inside of the bends.
Ox-bow lakes are important ecological features, as they provide habitats for a variety of aquatic plants and animals. They are also often used for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. While ox-bow lakes can form in other types of landscapes, they are most commonly found in river valleys.