Waterfalls


 
 
 

Click on image for a larger picture and more info.

 

Click on image for a larger picture and more info.

 

Click on image for a larger picture and more info.

 Waterfalls are literally places in steep segments of rivers where water falls vertically. Sometimes waterfalls such as Niagara Falls are termed cataracts, when a large volume of water is involved. Also, waterfalls can be termed cascades, which are a series of small falls. All waterfalls are produced by stream erosion. The rate at which erosion occurs depends greatly on the height,volume, and type and structure of rocks involved in the waterfall. At the base of most waterfalls is a plunge pool. A plunge pool is a basin scoured out of the river channel beneath the falling water. These pools eventually undercut the resistant strata and cause the collapse of the face of the waterfall. As a result, the position of the waterfall migrates upstream.The most common reason for the development of waterfalls is a difference in rock type. Rivers cross many lithologic boundaries, and when they pass from a resistant rock bed to a softer one, it is likely that the soft rock will erode more quickly. Other waterfalls are caused by specific geologic structures. For example, a basalt flow may provide a resistant platform at the edge of which rivers produce waterfalls.

 
 
 


 
 
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