How do waterfalls form?

Waterfalls form where a river is flowing over hard rock lying on soft rock. The soft rock is eroded faster, so there is a step in the river which deepens over time. It is eroded by hydraulic action and abrasion until there is a plunge pool at the base of the waterfall. Undercutting forms an overhanging of hard rock, which is unsupported underneath. This collapses into the plunge pool. This continues resulting in the waterfall retreating upstream.When answering a question on waterfalls, you may be required to give an example of a waterfall.A diagram would be very helpful for explaining how waterfalls form.

DR
Answered by Dakota R. Geography tutor

2760 Views

See similar Geography GCSE tutors

Related Geography GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What is a destructive plate boundary?


Why does deforestation occur and what are its effects?


What are the roles of different physical processes in the formation of the meander


Describe the difference between constructive and destructive waves. (4 marks)


We're here to help

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

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences