Rivers shape landscapes through processes such as erosion, transportation, and deposition. As rivers flow from their headwaters to the sea, they erode the banks and riverbed, creating various landforms. For example, in the upper course of a river, there is significant vertical erosion of bedrock, leading to steep valleys and features like waterfalls and gorges. As the river descends into its middle course, lateral erosion occurs, allowing the river to meander and create oxbow lakes and other features through both erosional and depositional processes [1][4][5].

Additionally, rivers transport sediment downstream, which is deposited in areas such as floodplains and deltas, forming fertile land that can support agriculture [1][6]. The overall dynamics of a river, including its velocity and sediment load, contribute to the continuous reshaping of the landscape over time, as rivers adjust their courses and create new geographical features [1].

How do rivers shape landscapes?

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