210 Proceedings of Indiana Academy of Science 
or Indian Creek valley. But it is more likely that the circuitous meander 
route will be retained through the continued action of the flood waters, 
as it is to be kept in mind that erosion is chiefly accomplished during 
high water stages in areas of topographic youth and maturity. Still 
another possibility is suggested by the wash on the west side of the 
road in the northwest quarter of the northeast quarter of section 8. 
Should this wash develop sufficiently the “sink” would be abandoned 
through the development of a surface cut-off, thus causing the abandon- 
ment of the present developing subterranean cut-off. 
This drainage adjustment which is taking place through the devel- 
opment of an underground route across the neck of a meander loop 
is here called a subterranean cut-off. When once completed the result 
is the same as in a surface cut-off of a meander loop, whether it is in 
the case of a meandering stream or a meandering valley. This drainage 
adjustment does not well classify under stream piracy, as may be 
suggested and which may possibly be referred to as “self-capture”. The 
term “self-capture” may be inferred to have a definite meaning, but 
in itself it is a rather impossible term. The term “subterranean cut- 
off” is expressive of the condition of drainage and gives a direct infer- 
ence to the process, and is therefore preferable. 
Indiana University. 
