What do meander lines represent for riparian owners?

Meander lines are essential in surveying as they provide a reference for the true boundary lines of a body of water, particularly in the context of rivers and lakes. These lines indicate the extent of the water's flow and its changes over time. For riparian owners—those who own land adjacent to a body of water—meander lines help determine the limits of their property concerning the water boundary.

In general, meander lines physically trace the fluctuating edge of a water body rather than representing a straightforward property boundary. Therefore, they serve as indirect indicators of ownership by establishing legal limits for riparian rights, which include access to and use of the water. However, it is important to note that these lines typically do not move with changes in the physical water body, and they delineate a fixed boundary for legal purposes, making them an integral part of property surveys in riparian areas.

The other options do not accurately define the role of meander lines. While they indirectly relate to waterways and property boundaries, they do not encapsulate the primary function of meander lines in demarcating true legal boundaries for riparian owners.