What role do rivers play in geology? What role do they play vis-a-vis humanity?

In geology, the rivers' main role is erosion and deposition, while for humanity, they have been crucial for the survival and development.

Explanation:

The rivers are water bodies (almost always of freshwater) and they have an influence on many things, be it of living or non-living nature. Physically, the big influence of the rivers can be seen in geology. The socio-economic and existential influence can easily be seen with humans.

In geology, the rivers have a big influence because of their big erosive power and their carrying capacity. Basically, the rivers destroy the rock strata, but also carry the material and pile it up at another place. At humanity, the rivers have been crucial for the survival of the species, but they have also enabled humans to produce their own food, develop civilization, and prosper.