River Bar

river bar

[′riv·ər ‚bär] (geology) A ridgelike accumulation of alluvium in the channel, along the banks, or at the mouth of a river.

River Bar

 

a shallow part of a riverbed, usually having the appearance of a ridge with a gently sloping surface in the direction of flow and a steep escarpment facing downstream. River bars form because of uneven riverbed scour. During periods of seasonal high water or when freshets occur, a head of water builds up at the bar in the deeper levels of the flowage, creating favorable conditions for deposition and leading to growth of the bar. River bars are common in places where floodplains broaden and near tributary junctions.