Waterfall - GCSE Geography Definition

A waterfall is a natural feature found in rivers, usually in the upper valley, where water flows over a vertical drop or cliff. This happens when the river travels from a hard, resistant layer of rock onto a softer one beneath it. The soft rock wears away faster than the hard rock, creating a steep, sometimes dramatic, drop where the water falls. Waterfalls can vary in size from small cascades to massive plunges and are often found in the upper course of a river, where the water has more energy to erode the landscape. Waterfalls are not only important in shaping the land but also create stunning natural scenery and are home to diverse ecosystems.