Waterfall

rivers · nature · water

A watery leap. A waterfall is any spot where a river or stream pours over a vertical drop, sometimes in one big plunge and sometimes in a series of steep steps.

Hard over soft. Most waterfalls form when a river flows over tough, hard rock that sits on top of softer rock. The soft rock wears away faster, creating a taller and taller drop.

Even on ice. Waterfalls don't only happen on rivers! Melting water can drop over the edge of a giant flat iceberg or ice shelf, too.

Home for wildlife. Scientists study waterfalls because they shape the lives of the animals and plants living in and around them.