Waterfalls
⭐ MasteredWaterfalls form when a river flows over a cliff or hard rock. Angel Falls in Venezuela is the world's tallest waterfall.
Angel Falls drops almost 1 kilometre.
All about Waterfalls
A waterfall forms when a river flows over a sudden drop, such as a cliff or a step of hard rock. The water falls with great force and gradually wears away the rock below, making the waterfall move backwards over time.
Angel Falls in Venezuela is the world's tallest waterfall, with a total height of about 979 metres. Niagara Falls on the border of Canada and the USA is famous for its huge volume of water.
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Real-life uses of Waterfalls
- Generating hydroelectric power
- Attracting visitors and supporting tourism
- Creating habitats for plants and animals that thrive in spray and mist
Frequently asked questions about Waterfalls
How do waterfalls form?
Waterfalls form where a river crosses layers of hard and soft rock, so the soft rock erodes faster and creates a drop.
Why do waterfalls create rainbows?
Sunlight passes through the fine spray and is split into colours, just as it does with raindrops.
Do waterfalls get smaller over time?
Yes. As the water erodes the rock, the waterfall retreats upstream and can eventually become much smaller.