A river is a natural flowing watercourse, usually freshwater, flowing towards an ocean, sea, lake or another river. They play a vital role in the Earth's ecosystem, providing habitats for various plants and animals, and serving as a source of water for human activities.
Rivers are formed through the process of erosion, transportation, and deposition. They typically begin at a source in higher ground such as a mountain or a hill, where water from precipitation or melting snow accumulates and starts to flow downhill. As the water flows, it erodes the land, forming a channel which becomes a river. The river then continues to flow, carrying sediments and shaping the land it passes through.
Rivers are essential for various reasons:
To understand rivers better, here are some key points to focus on: