Sunday, October 23, 2016

Information For Understanding Rock Waterfalls

By Jeffrey Adams


Waterfalls are physical features that form over a long period in the course of a river. By definition, they are regions of in a river course where water flows in the form of a vertical drop. The drops may be multiple or only one in a given section of a river. A region where meltwater drops over edges of tabula ice shelves or icebergs is also called a waterfall. In case the drop occurs over a rock, the name rock waterfalls is used to refer to the feature.

Waterfalls mostly form on upper sections of a river where channels are deep and narrow. The feature starts to form when rivers encounter resistant rocks that are followed by soft ones. The result is that soft rocks are eroded away, leaving a step in the course of the stream. The erosion of soft rock is caused by whirlpools. Water starts to drop when it reaches the step, forming a waterfall.

The stream above waterfalls usually becomes wider and shallower because of flowing over the rock shelf. The kinetic energy of the water that hits the ground below the waterfall usually dig it, causing a deep area below the feature. In most cases, a waterfall forms in a rocky place as a result of erosion. A horizontal pit that is parallel to the waterfall wall usually forms in the ground below the fall after a long time when the waterfall has developed fully.

Gradual land processes form the other method for formation of a waterfall. Gradual land processes include earth movements and soil erosion. Causes of earth movements include volcanoes, earthquakes, and landslides. Differential land heights are formed as a result of the gradual land processes. When the differential land height occurs, a waterfall is formed in that part of the stream.

There are several different types of waterfalls in existence today. Each type is different from the other in a number of ways. The differences can be very little in some cases. Major types of these features are ledge, plunge, horsetail, cascade, staircase, cataract, Moulin, frozen, catadupa, and segmented waterfalls. Under a ledge waterfall, there is block, classical, and curtain falls. Main types of a horsetail waterfall are slide, chute, ribbon, and fan water-falls.

In modern times, there are many uses for waterfalls. The most important of these uses is power generation. Turbines are usually connected in the dropping water so that its energy can be harnessed to rotate them. When the turbines are rotated, they generate electrical power, which is transmitted to various locations for industrial, commercial, and residential consumption.

Power generation in most parts of the world is dependent on this method. Although it gives a lot of electrical power, it is prone to major fluctuations in power capacity. Changes in water level usually affect the amount of power that can be generated a lot. Power rationing may need to be done in reaction to the reduction in the amount of electrical generated during dry spells.

The area directly below the waterfall has water that is moving at a very slow speed. This forms ideal condition for fish to thrive. Therefore, these features create good fishing grounds for the local people.




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