Features found in the middle course are river cliffs and river beaches. A river cliff is found on the outside of a meander. Here the water is flowing quickly into the bank. The powerful current is able to erode the side of the river and it makes a steep bank, or river cliff.

On the inside of the bend the water is flowing much more slowly. It has less power to transport its load and often deposition will take place. The shallow water and gentle slope on the inside of a bend is a river beach.