Slows energy, can move it throughout the system (distributes nutrients), and facilitates flows. It is the natural pattern of rivers and prevents erosion. We’ll study meanders in rivers more deeply later, but this is one way rivers distribute energy when they’re not branching. They deposit nutrient rich silt on the inside of a meander. The meander of a river can change during flooding and thus charge the landscape with nutrients. This movement is often controlled to prevent flooding of cities or farms built in flood plains, thus reducing the natural ability of rivers to feed the landscape.
Some creatures move by meandering, like snakes and lizards. Many animals meander while searching for food. It is an efficient way to ensure they cover the territory.
Macro wind patterns meander because of the turn of the earth and other factors, and this can cause significant weather pattern changes.
Jet stream. Credit: NASA/Trent L Schindler.
How to use this pattern
You could think about how you could use the meander pattern to distribute water more thoroughly in your system. Or create a meander path in a food forest to access more plants. This also has the effect of slowing you down as you move through the forest, allowing for more observation to occur.
I have created meander paths in several gardens to create this effect. Sometimes people get annoyed at having to meander through the garden, but students have repeatedly told me that they do notice what is going on in the garden more by taking this pathway. Some have also mentioned that it helped them stop thinking so linearly, and they were able to think with a more organic set up in the garden.