Synopsis

Water possesses a vastness, and rivers a potent force. As they journey downhill, rivers erode rock and soil, sculpting canyons or carving sinuous curves into the landscape, features known as meanders. Occasionally, rivers swell and spill over their banks. When burdened with excessive water, they unleash floods capable of sweeping away vegetation, trees, structures, and even large stones. Rivers and streams sustain the majority of terrestrial ecosystems.