A waterfall results from river erosion and is found in the upper course of a river. Waterfalls form in areas with bands of hard rock and soft rock. The river erodes the rocks with the process of hydraulic action (the force of the water) and abrasion.
Waterfalls often form in the upper stages of a river where it flows over different bands of rock. It erodes soft rock more quickly than hard rock and this may lead to the creation of a waterfall. The fallen rocks crash into the plunge pool. They swirl around, causing more erosion.
The largest waterfalls in the world are Victoria Falls , located on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya, (“The Smoke that Thunders”), has seen its water levels slow to a relative trickle during the dry season.
This year, many social media posts highlighted pictures purportedly showing the effects of global warming on Lake Victoria, in fact, the falls dried up as part of seasonal drought.
In North America, There have also been extreme events that affect the flow of waterfalls.
On March 30, 1848, Niagara Falls froze over. It was the result of a strong southwest gale pushing huge chunks of lake ice to the extreme northeastern tip of Lake Erie, blocking the lake’s outlet into the head of the Niagara river.
Pictures taken at Niagara falls show the falls without water flowing over them. This caused some panic to North American audiences.
Engineers have since placed sluice gates along the width of the falls, and these have been utilized to thwart attempts by thrill seekers looking for a to chance a go over the edge, to prove a point or to gain fame and fortune.
On Johny Mee’s Island visiting the water falls during the wet season is discouraged, as weather conditions create extremely wet and dangerous situations.
They are especially beautiful during the dry season and I am always amazed by their natural beauty.
yours,
John Q.
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