A river is a natural watercourse, typically a body of flowing water, that usually flows towards an ocean, sea, or lake. It is an essential component of the Earth's water cycle, collecting water from precipitation, runoff, or groundwater and carrying it across landscapes. Rivers provide vital ecosystems for various plant and animal species and are crucial for human activities, such as agriculture, drinking water, transportation, and power generation. They often shape landscapes through erosion and sediment deposition, forming valleys, deltas, and floodplains along their courses.
