When designing a 3D-printed river model, remember that rivers increase in size and volume as they flow from their source to their mouth. They always flow downhill due to gravity, taking the path of least resistance. This causes rivers to meander (bend and curve) around obstacles like rocks and hills. The river's flowing water erodes the land, forming features such as waterfalls, valleys, and gorges. Further downstream, as the river slows down, it deposits sediment, creating features like oxbow lakes and deltas. These elements can be modeled in 3D to show how rivers shape the landscape over time.
The author marked this model as their own original creation.