What is a waterfall called?

What is a waterfall called?

A waterfall may also be termed a falls or sometimes a cataract, the latter designation being most common when large volumes of water are involved. Waterfalls of small height and lesser steepness are called cascades; this term is often applied to a series of small falls along a river.

Where water flows over a steep drop?

A waterfall is a point in a river or stream where water flows over a vertical drop or a series of steep drops.

What is the difference between a cataract and a waterfall?

As nouns the difference between waterfall and cataract is that waterfall is a flow of water over the edge of a cliff while cataract is (obsolete) a waterspout.

What is cataract waterfall?

cataract, a waterfall (q.v.), especially one containing great volumes of water rushing over a precipice.

Why do water fall exist?

Running water always erodes rock, but some rocks are more resistant than others. So a waterfall occurs when geological forces have produced either a sudden change in rock types or a steepening of a gradient where a stream is flowing. With a break in elevation, a stream or river becomes a waterfall.

How a water fall is formed?

Often, waterfalls form as streams flow from soft rock to hard rock. This happens both laterally (as a stream flows across the earth) and vertically (as the stream drops in a waterfall). In both cases, the soft rock erodes, leaving a hard ledge over which the stream falls.

How are rapids formed?

They are formed when the water goes from one hard rock that resists the water’s erosion to a softer rock that is easier eroded. The debris formed by the erosion breaks up the flow of the river, but are not big enough to form a waterfall. Over time, rapids are formed.

Where are waterfalls found?

Waterfalls commonly form where water rushes down steep hillsides in upland areas. They are typical of the upper valley but can be found in the rivers lower courses where the process of rejuvenation creates enough potential energy for vertical erosion to recommence closer to the mouth of the river.

How is a waterfall formed?

What is a horsetail waterfall?

A horsetail waterfall is similar to a plunge waterfall, but in this case the water maintains contact with the bedrock most of the time. The water starts from a small stream and widens a little during its steep descent, creating a fair amount of mist during the fall — an appearance similar to that of a horse’s tail.

What is a tiered waterfall?

Tiered/Multi-step/Staircase: A series of waterfalls one after another of roughly the same size each with its own sunken plunge pool.

What causes a waterfall to recede upstream?

The area behind the waterfall is worn away, creating a hollow, cave-like structure called a “rock shelter.”. Eventually, the rocky ledge (called the outcropping) may tumble down, sending boulders into the stream bed and plunge pool below. This causes the waterfall to “recede” many meters upstream.

What is the definition of waterfall?

Any sudden descent of a stream over a very steep slope or precipice in its stream bed. Characterized by the stream dropping vertically, or very nearly so. The water must drop a minimum of five feet to be considered a true waterfall.

What is the definition of a shallow waterfall?

A waterfall whose crest width is one third or less of its base width. It is located between the crest and base of a waterfall, behind the falling water.

What happens to a waterfall after it has formed?

After a long period of being fully formed, the water falling off the ledge will retreat, causing a horizontal pit parallel to the waterfall wall. Eventually, as the pit grows deeper, the waterfall collapses to be replaced by a steeply sloping stretch of river bed. In addition to gradual processes such as erosion,…