Could you explain the series of events in the formation of a waterfall

Waterfalls form where the river bed has a layer of harder rock overlying the softer rocks. As water falls the softer rock is eroded much more quickly than the harder rock; therefore undercutting the harder rock. The hard, overrhanging rock eventurally collapses. The collapsed rocks fall into the plunge pool causing more erosion of the soft rocks (through attrition and abraision) and a deeper plunge pool.

This goes on continuously causing the waterfall to retreat upstream. The waterfall leaves a steap sided gorge as it retreats. Waterfalls may also be caused as a result of Glacial Erosion, A Fall in Sea Level and Earth Movement.

Answered by Naoise J. Geography tutor

2802 Views

See similar Geography GCSE tutors

Related Geography GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Describe strategies used by one country to manage population growth .(6 marks)


Describe and give one reason for the global distribution of volcanoes.


Explain the formation of a wave cut platform.


What would be a good case study for illustrating the dangers of volcanic activity?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo
Cookie Preferences