Describe the formation of a waterfall

Waterfalls are formed over areas where hard rock lays over soft rock. When the river flows over soft rock, it erodes the soft rock away, which begins to undercut the hard rock which lays above. As the hard rock falls, it drops into a plunge pool below, which gets deeper and wider by the process of abrasion (the fallen rock erodes away the sides of the plunge pool). This process continues, demonstrating the retreat of the waterfall upstream as hard rock is continually undercut, becoming unstable, and falls into the pool below. 

SW
Answered by Sophie W. Geography tutor

6498 Views

See similar Geography A Level tutors

Related Geography A Level answers

All answers ▸

How is the Hawaiian Island chain forming?


With reference to two volcanic events that you have studied from contrasting areas of the world, compare the ways in which volcanoes and their hazards have been managed.


Explain why it is difficult to measure development. (10 marks)


What are 'Milankovitch cycles'?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning