What primary role do rivers play in shaping landscapes?

Rivers play a critical role in shaping landscapes through the processes of erosion, sediment transport, and deposition. As rivers flow, they exert a powerful force on the land, wearing away rock and soil, which is known as erosion. This action can carve out features such as valleys and canyons, significantly altering the topography of an area over time. Additionally, rivers transport sediment from one location to another, which is then deposited when the water slows down, leading to the formation of floodplains, deltas, and other landforms. This continuous cycle of erosion and deposition is fundamental in shaping diverse landscapes and ecosystems. Thus, rivers are essential agents of geomorphological change, influencing both natural environments and human activity shaped around them.