Knee (geography)

A ''knee'' in geography refers to a sharp bend or angle in a river, coastline, or other geographical feature. It is characterized by a relatively sudden change in direction, often resulting in a pronounced curve or hook. The formation of a knee often depends on geological factors such as the underlying rock structure, erosion patterns, and the deposition of sediment. The term is descriptive and less formally defined than many other geographical terms, making precise measurement or classification challenging. The scale at which a bend is considered a "knee" is variable and dependent on context; a large meander in a river might be described as having several smaller "knees" within its overall curve. Further research may be needed to define specific subtypes of geographical knees, based on their formation processes or the specific features they exhibit.