Why do rivers carve canyons?

Rivers carve canyons over millions of years through erosion. As water flows, it cuts into rock and soil, carrying sediment downstream. Over time, this process deepens and widens the channel, creating steep walls and a canyon. Factors like the river’s velocity, volume, and the type of rock influence how quickly the canyon forms. Famous examples include the Grand Canyon, formed by the Colorado River, showcasing layers of Earth’s geological history.