How do rivers and streams shape the Earth's surface through erosion, transportation, and deposition processes, forming landforms such as valleys, meanders, deltas, and alluvial plains, and providing critical habitats, water resources, and transportation routes for human societies and ecosystems?

Rivers and streams play a vital role in shaping the Earth’s surface through erosion, transportation, and deposition processes. They erode sediments and rock materials from the land surface, carving out valleys and canyons over time. As rivers flow downstream, they transport sediments and nutrients, depositing them along their banks and forming floodplains, alluvial fans, and deltas at their mouths. Meandering rivers create sinuous channels and oxbow lakes, while braided rivers form intricate networks of channels and bars. These riverine landforms provide critical habitats, water resources, and transportation routes for human societies and ecosystems, supporting agriculture, industry, and biodiversity.