Waterfall Formation

Question 1

waterfall definition

Answer 1

A waterfall is a feature of erosion found in the youth stage of a river. It is a fluvial landform consisting of soft rock and hard rock

Question 2

waterfall example

Answer 2

Powerscourt Waterfall in Co. Wicklow

Question 3

erosion definition + use in waterfalls

Answer 3

Erosion is the breaking away of the Earth’s landscape over time. The processes of erosion used in waterfall formation are hydraulic action and abrasion. Erosion in waterfalls is differential due to the presence of hard rock and soft rock

Question 4

temporary landform

Answer 4

Waterfalls are temporary landforms and eventually, over a long period of time, become rapids

Question 5

soft + hard rock erosion

Answer 5

Waterfalls are formed when the soft rock under the hard rock in the Earth’s landscape is eroded by water. The soft rock erodes quicker than the hard rock, this is differential erosion. This soft rock is now undercut and leaves a vertical drop from the hard rock lip to the new eroded space below

Question 6

plunge pool forms

Answer 6

As the river water flows and falls over the hard rock lip, there is hydraulic action creating a plunge pool below the hard rock.

Question 7

hydraulic action role

Answer 7

Hydraulic action plays a major role in the formation of waterfalls as it undercuts the soft rock and forms the plunge pool

Question 8

hard rock lip collapses

Answer 8

As time goes on and the soft rock becomes more undercut, the hard rock above becomes unsupported and collapses due to gravity. This fallen hard rock hits the plunge pool and erodes it, further deepening it

Question 9

abrasion role

Answer 9

Abrasion is crucial to waterfall formation because it involves the collapse of hard rock lip and deepening of the plunge pool