The bends formed in the river when river water erodes its banks on the outside of the channel are known as:

Correct option is D

The correct answer is (D) Meanders.

·         Meanders are bends or curves in a river's course that form as the river water erodes its banks on the outer side of the channel and deposits sediment on the inner side.

·         This process is driven by the water's velocity being higher on the outer curve, causing erosion, and lower on the inner curve, leading to deposition.

Explanation of Other Options:

• Braided channels: Form when a river splits into multiple channels due to excessive sediment deposition, not related to meanders.
• Distributaries: Channels that branch off from the main river and flow away, typically in the river's delta region.
• Tributaries: Smaller rivers or streams that flow into a larger river, contributing water, not forming bends.