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Questions and Answers
Where do waterfalls typically form in a river?
Where do waterfalls typically form in a river?
In the upper stages of a river.
What causes the formation of a plunge pool at a waterfall?
What causes the formation of a plunge pool at a waterfall?
Erosion of soft rock by falling water and rock particles.
The soft rock is undercut by erosional processes such as hydraulic action and _____ creating a plunge pool.
The soft rock is undercut by erosional processes such as hydraulic action and _____ creating a plunge pool.
abrasion
The hard rock overhang above the plunge pool remains intact forever.
The hard rock overhang above the plunge pool remains intact forever.
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What happens to the waterfall as erosion continues?
What happens to the waterfall as erosion continues?
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Study Notes
Formation of a Waterfall
- Waterfalls form primarily in the upper stages of a river where hard rock overlays softer rock.
- Erosion from falling water and rock particles removes the softer rock beneath, resulting in a plunge pool.
- Processes involved in undercutting the soft rock include hydraulic action and abrasion, contributing to the deeper plunge pool and the creation of an overhang.
- As erosion progresses, the hard rock overhang becomes unsupported and collapses due to its own weight.
- The ongoing erosion causes the waterfall to retreat upstream, leading to the formation of a gorge.
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