Formation of waterfalls

Question 1

What is a waterfall?

Answer 1

A steep drop in a river

Question 2

When does a waterfall form?

Answer 2

It forms when there are horizontal bands of resistant rock (hard rock) positioned over exposed, less resistant rock (soft rock).

Question 3

Describe the formation of a waterfall (6 marks)

Answer 3

1. The soft rock is eroded quicker than the hard rock and this creates a step.
2. As erosion continues, the hard rock is undercut forming an overhang.
3. Abrasion and hydraulic action continue to erode the soft rock to create a plunge pool (small scale landform).
4. Over time this gets bigger, increasing the size of the overhang until the hard rock is no longer supported and it collapses.
5. This process continues and the waterfall retreats upstream.
6. A steep-sided valley is left where the waterfall once was. This is called a gorge.