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Questions and Answers
Where do waterfalls typically form in a river?
In the upper stages of a river
What is created at the base of a waterfall due to erosion?
A plunge pool
Which processes contribute to the undercutting of soft rock at a waterfall?
The hard rock overhang remains stable and does not collapse.
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What happens to the waterfall as erosion continues?
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Study Notes
Formation of a Waterfall
- Waterfalls form at the upper stages of rivers where hard rock overlies softer rock layers.
- Erosion occurs as falling water and rock particles wear away the underlying soft rock, leading to the creation of a plunge pool.
- Hydraulic action and abrasion erode the soft rock, deepening the plunge pool, and forming an overhang as the soft rock is undercut.
- The collapse of the hard rock overhang happens when it loses support from the eroded soft rock below.
- Continuous erosion causes the waterfall to retreat upstream over time, resulting in the formation of a gorge.
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Description
This quiz explores the processes involved in the formation of waterfalls. It covers how different types of rock interact and the erosional processes that create plunge pools. Learn about the impact of hydraulic action and abrasion in shaping these natural wonders.
