1. Bedload moves along the running water.
2. As and when this flow encounters an obstacle due to relief on the bed or joints in the bed, the flow tends to develop a circular pattern.
3. This circular system becomes stable, though the water continues to flow in downstream direction.
4. This leads to development of a whirl.
5. The trapped sediments also follow the similar circular motion.
6. The continuous action of these trapped sediments and the whirl deepens the bed of the river at a given point.
7. Eventually, it develops into a larger depression assuming a shape of a pot.
8. Potholes are the features formed by this process. For example, they are found in River Indrayani at Bhegadewadi in Pune district.
