Helicoidal flow is the cork-screw-like flow of water in a meander. It is one example of a secondary flow. Helicoidal flow is a contributing factor to the formation of slip-off slopes and river cliffs in a meandering section of the river.

What causes helicoidal flow?

A corkscrew-like flow of water called Helicoidal Flow moves material from the outside of one meander bend and deposits it on the inside of the next bend. Water moving faster has more energy to erode. This occurs on the outside of the bend and forms a river cliff .

How does turbulent flow occur geography?

Turbulent flow occurs when water moves quickly and runs into many rough obstacles. Using the previous example, turbulent flow will occur is the water is released very quickly from the faucet, and will remain turbulent as the water hits the bottom of the sink and splashes around.