Where will water be traveling the fastest in a meandering stream?

In a meandering stream, the water will travel the fastest outside of the bend due to the dynamics of fluid motion and channel shape. When water flows through a curved section of the stream, the centrifugal force pushes the water outward, causing it to accelerate along the outer bank of the bend. This area experiences less friction from the streambed and surrounding vegetation, allowing the water to maintain higher velocity.

This phenomenon also leads to increased erosion along the outer bank, where the faster-moving water can more easily dislodge sediment, contributing to the characteristic shape of meanders over time. In contrast, the inside of the bend experiences slower-moving water, resulting in sediment deposition and the formation of point bars. Therefore, the outer edge of the bend is where the highest velocity occurs, making it the correct answer in this scenario.