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Jan 18, 2023

2 pages

How Waterfalls Form: Step-by-Step Geography Guide

user profile picture

zarah

@zarah_ubqx

Waterfalls are formed through a complex process of erosion and... Show more

Waterfall formation
hard rock
soft rock
rapids
Sofler rock errodes
more quickly.
over hanging of hard
plung pool erodes
rock
in s
Waterfall

Waterfall Development and Gorge Formation

As the formation of a waterfall progresses, several key processes contribute to its development and the creation of associated landforms.

The river continues to undercut the harder rock layer, leaving behind an increasingly unstable overhang. Eventually, this overhang becomes unsupported and collapses into the plunge pool below.

Definition: Plunge pool - A deep basin at the base of a waterfall, formed by the erosive action of falling water and swirling sediment.

When the overhang collapses, some of the fallen rocks are swirled around by the river in the plunge pool. This swirling action further deepens the plunge pool, enhancing the vertical drop of the waterfall.

Highlight: The depth of the plunge pool increases significantly during times of high discharge when hydraulic action is most powerful.

Vocabulary: Discharge - The volume of water in a river at a given point in time, measured in cumecs cubicmeterspersecondcubic meters per second.

As this process continues, the waterfall gradually moves upstream. The ongoing erosion and collapse of rock layers create a steep-sided gorge that extends back into the hillside.

Example: The formation of Niagara Falls is a classic example of this process, with the falls having retreated upstream by about 11 kilometers over the past 12,000 years.

The formation of waterfalls in higher geography is thus a continuous cycle of erosion, undercutting, collapse, and retreat, shaping some of the most dramatic landscapes in river systems.

Waterfall formation
hard rock
soft rock
rapids
Sofler rock errodes
more quickly.
over hanging of hard
plung pool erodes
rock
in s
Waterfall

Waterfall Formation Process

The formation of a waterfall is a dynamic geological process that occurs over time as a river flows over different types of rock. Formation of waterfalls in higher geography is primarily driven by the presence of alternating layers of hard and soft rock in the river's path.

Vocabulary: Differential erosion - The process by which softer rocks erode more quickly than harder rocks, leading to the formation of distinct landforms.

The river begins its journey over bands of less resistant softersofter and more resistant harderharder rock. As the water flows, it erodes the rock through three main processes:

  1. Hydraulic Action: This occurs when air is compressed into the river bank, causing materials to be dislodged.
  2. Abrasion: The force of the water throws bed load rocksandsedimentrocks and sediment against the banks, causing erosion.
  3. Solution: Rocks react with acid in the water, leading to chemical erosion.

Highlight: The combination of these erosional processes, particularly in areas of softer rock, leads to the initial formation of rapids in the river.

As erosion continues, the softer rock is worn away more quickly due to differential erosion. This process creates an overhanging ledge of harder rock above the eroded softer rock.

Example: Imagine a layer cake with alternating layers of firm chocolate cake hardrockhard rock and soft sponge cake softrocksoft rock. As water flows over it, the sponge cake layers would erode faster, leaving the chocolate layers protruding.

The river then begins to form a deep plunge pool at the base of the developing waterfall. This plunge pool is created by the force of falling water and the swirling motion of rocks and sediment at the base.



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Google Play

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️

Thomas R

iOS user

Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades

Brad T

Android user

Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend

Aubrey

iOS user

Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀

Marco B

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️

Thomas R

iOS user

Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades

Brad T

Android user

Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend

Aubrey

iOS user

Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀

Marco B

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!

Paul T

iOS user

 

Biology

203

Jan 18, 2023

2 pages

How Waterfalls Form: Step-by-Step Geography Guide

user profile picture

zarah

@zarah_ubqx

Waterfalls are formed through a complex process of erosion and differential rock resistance. Formation of waterfalls in higher geographyinvolves the interaction between hard and soft rock layers, leading to the creation of spectacular natural features. This summary explores the... Show more

Waterfall formation
hard rock
soft rock
rapids
Sofler rock errodes
more quickly.
over hanging of hard
plung pool erodes
rock
in s
Waterfall

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Waterfall Development and Gorge Formation

As the formation of a waterfall progresses, several key processes contribute to its development and the creation of associated landforms.

The river continues to undercut the harder rock layer, leaving behind an increasingly unstable overhang. Eventually, this overhang becomes unsupported and collapses into the plunge pool below.

Definition: Plunge pool - A deep basin at the base of a waterfall, formed by the erosive action of falling water and swirling sediment.

When the overhang collapses, some of the fallen rocks are swirled around by the river in the plunge pool. This swirling action further deepens the plunge pool, enhancing the vertical drop of the waterfall.

Highlight: The depth of the plunge pool increases significantly during times of high discharge when hydraulic action is most powerful.

Vocabulary: Discharge - The volume of water in a river at a given point in time, measured in cumecs cubicmeterspersecondcubic meters per second.

As this process continues, the waterfall gradually moves upstream. The ongoing erosion and collapse of rock layers create a steep-sided gorge that extends back into the hillside.

Example: The formation of Niagara Falls is a classic example of this process, with the falls having retreated upstream by about 11 kilometers over the past 12,000 years.

The formation of waterfalls in higher geography is thus a continuous cycle of erosion, undercutting, collapse, and retreat, shaping some of the most dramatic landscapes in river systems.

Waterfall formation
hard rock
soft rock
rapids
Sofler rock errodes
more quickly.
over hanging of hard
plung pool erodes
rock
in s
Waterfall

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Waterfall Formation Process

The formation of a waterfall is a dynamic geological process that occurs over time as a river flows over different types of rock. Formation of waterfalls in higher geography is primarily driven by the presence of alternating layers of hard and soft rock in the river's path.

Vocabulary: Differential erosion - The process by which softer rocks erode more quickly than harder rocks, leading to the formation of distinct landforms.

The river begins its journey over bands of less resistant softersofter and more resistant harderharder rock. As the water flows, it erodes the rock through three main processes:

  1. Hydraulic Action: This occurs when air is compressed into the river bank, causing materials to be dislodged.
  2. Abrasion: The force of the water throws bed load rocksandsedimentrocks and sediment against the banks, causing erosion.
  3. Solution: Rocks react with acid in the water, leading to chemical erosion.

Highlight: The combination of these erosional processes, particularly in areas of softer rock, leads to the initial formation of rapids in the river.

As erosion continues, the softer rock is worn away more quickly due to differential erosion. This process creates an overhanging ledge of harder rock above the eroded softer rock.

Example: Imagine a layer cake with alternating layers of firm chocolate cake hardrockhard rock and soft sponge cake softrocksoft rock. As water flows over it, the sponge cake layers would erode faster, leaving the chocolate layers protruding.

The river then begins to form a deep plunge pool at the base of the developing waterfall. This plunge pool is created by the force of falling water and the swirling motion of rocks and sediment at the base.

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Students love us — and so will you.

4.9/5

App Store

4.8/5

Google Play

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️

Thomas R

iOS user

Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades

Brad T

Android user

Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend

Aubrey

iOS user

Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀

Marco B

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️

Thomas R

iOS user

Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades

Brad T

Android user

Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend

Aubrey

iOS user

Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀

Marco B

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!

Paul T

iOS user