A naturally occurring network of waterways is a complex geographical feature. This network comprises a main channel, its tributaries, and associated bodies of water like lakes, wetlands, and groundwater reservoirs. An example is the Mississippi River and its many tributaries, such as the Missouri and Ohio Rivers, forming an extensive drainage basin across North America.
These networks are crucial for various reasons. They provide essential water resources for human consumption, agriculture, and industry. Furthermore, they serve as transportation routes, support diverse ecosystems, and play a significant role in shaping landscapes through erosion and sediment deposition. Historically, civilizations have flourished along these natural corridors, relying on them for sustenance and trade.