What is a lateral bar in a river system?

A lateral bar in a river system refers to bars that are positioned along the sides of straight channels. These formations typically arise as a result of sediment deposition due to the flow dynamics of the river. As the water flows, it carries sediment that can get deposited on the banks, leading to the formation of these bars, which can greatly influence river morphology and habitat.

The other choices describe different features or processes not specific to lateral bars. Bars located in the center of wide rivers, for instance, would be indicative of different sediment dynamics and could be influenced by factors like river bends rather than being true lateral bars. Similarly, bars formed from converging streams or those created by sediment build-up in floodplains describe processes tied to either the convergence of different water flows or the accumulation of materials during flood events, which are separate phenomena from the specific formation associated with lateral bars along the river banks.