Waterfall

water · geology · nature

Water takes a plunge. A waterfall happens when a river or stream flows over a vertical drop or series of steep drops. The water crashes down dramatically, creating the powerful rushing sound and mist you see at famous waterfalls.

Hard rock, soft rock. The most common way waterfalls form is when a river flows over tough bedrock that doesn't erode easily, then falls onto softer rock below that washes away faster. Over time, this creates a bigger and bigger drop as the soft rock gets carved away.

Ice makes waterfalls too. Waterfalls don't just happen in rivers on land. They also form where meltwater from glaciers and icebergs drops over the edge of ice shelves, creating stunning frozen waterfalls.

Animals adapt there. Scientists study waterfalls to understand how fish and other creatures living in and around them survive the powerful currents and splashing water.