What is a Waterfall?
Simply put, a waterfall is a watercourse -- stream, river, creek
-- that drops vertically. In other words, it flows over the edge of
a cliff or down a slope. Waterfall lovers from around the world
argue about what makes a waterfall. The general consensus is that a
drop of at least 3 metres (approximately 10 feet) or a slope of at
least 30 degrees creates a waterfall. Realistically it is up to the
eye of the waterfall lover.
Types of waterfalls are based on how the water falls or passes
through it's course, how much water is flowing, the surface beneath
it and the geological processes that created it (geomorphology).
Together these all form a waterfall's unique shape, it's
fingerprint so to speak. There are many different types of
waterfalls, though most are comprised of more than one distinct
type. Here are a few of the more common:
Cascade -- Cascade is a commonly used term when referring
to waterfalls and rightly so. The term "cascade" comes from the
Italian word "cascada" which actually means "waterfall". A cascade
type waterfall is defined by the surface beneath it. It is one of
the most common as the surface beneath it is irregular and
encompasses the falls not classified elsewhere. It is generally
water that flows down in small steps or stages. Multi-Cascading is
more than one cascade in a row.
Cataract -- Another word for waterfall but usually one
that is large, very powerful and rushes down with force.
Ledge -- A geological formation that influences the shape
of a waterfall. It is a cliff that is relatively flat with some
width at the top and is vertical or almost vertical. Angel Falls
and Niagara Falls are great examples of a ledge. The following
three shapes/types often result from a Ledge.
Block/Sheet -- Water from a wide river or stream drops
over a ledge forming what appears to be a "sheet" of water.
Ideally, it is not broken into segments at high water and it is
observably wider than tall.
Classical -- Similar to Block, water drops over a ledge
but is close to equal in width and height.
Curtain -- Similar to Block and Classical, water drops
over a ledge but is taller than wide but not a Ribbon.
Overhanging Ledge -- Another geological formation that
influences the shape of a waterfall. It is a cliff that the water
has eroded under it causing an obvious overhang resulting in the
water free falling to the surface below. The following two
shapes/types often result from an Overhanging Ledge.
Plunge/Vertical -- Water descends vertically without
contact with the surface.
Punchbowl -- Water falls through a constricted area and
descends down into a pool of water. The water "punches" through and
falls into a "bowl".
Chute -- A violent section of water that is forced
through a narrow passage due to cliff walls or large rocks.
Depending on the descent angle, they may be classified as rapids
not a waterfall. Very common in canyons where the water is
wall-to-wall.
Fan -- Water falls through a relatively narrow crest and
spreads out and becomes wider as it descends.
Horsetail -- Water descends down remaining in contact
with the surface most of the time.
Parallel/Twin -- Parallel falls happen when falls are
side-by-side and fall similar to each other. There can be two or
more falls and can be from the same watercourse (also see Segmented
falls) or from more than one watercourse. Twin falls are also
side-by-side but do not have to be similar in type. Triple and more
falls exist as well.
Ribbon -- Water descends in a narrow strip significantly
taller than it is wide.
Scree/Talus -- Water flowing over a chaotic mix of rock
debris on a slope usually found at the base of a cliff or steep
incline. Scree is usually the rocks that are smaller than a
softball and talus is larger than a softball. Some people do not
consider these to be waterfalls; however, if the slope is at least
30 degrees then it fits the above criteria.
Segmented -- Pieces of land segment the river (same
watercourse) causing the water to fall in sections. Not to be
mistaken with different watercourses forming different waterfalls
side-by-side as in Parallel/Twin falls.
Slide -- Water glides over a single slab of rock
maintaining smooth continuous contact.
Slot/Keyhole -- Water pushes through a narrow area before
falling. A keyhole is a special slot as it has a rounded part at
the bottom of the slot resembling the old fashioned keyholes. Some
times the water has forced (eroded) out a part of the rock causing
an actual hole water falls from.
Tiered/Staircase/Multi-Stepped -- Separate waterfalls
falling consecutively and in close proximity so generally they can
be seen together. Any type of falls can be tiered.
Veil -- Water falls over rocks (usually large rocks)
creating a thin layer of water that just barely covers it's
surface.
Probably the most striking feature of Bridal Veil Falls is near the
beginning of the upper falls. Two adjoining segments of granite
have shifted in such a way that a four-six foot discontinuity
exists. The rock under the flowing water here is granite, which
does not erode all that quickly. But the layer of rock underneath
the granite, now exposed in the upper section, is of a softer
material, and has slowly been undercut due to a splashback effect.
This has brought into existence a shallow cave-like formation known
as a "rock shelter" (or a "rock house"). [You might remember a
scene from The Last of the Mohicans filmed at this spot.]
The listed coordinates should bring you to the base of the
falls. In order to fulfill the requirements of this Earthcache you
need to:
1. Include a photo in your online log of you and/or your party
with a recognizable segment of Bridal Veil Falls in the background.
(I recommend the veil section further upstream.)
2. Email me what type of waterfall you believe this waterfall
represents. Provide evidence to support your answer. (There may be
multiple correct answers, and I will be fair and balanced in my
judging.)
3. Estimate the distance from the base of the waterfall to the
"veil" section further upstream. Let me know what method you
used.
4. OPTIONAL Estimate the distance from where the water hits
granite to the back wall of the rock shelter.
This is a potentially dangerous waterfall. If the river is up or
weather is inclement you may not be able to complete all parts of
this Earthcache. Please act responsibly and safely while in the
area.
For more information on EarthCaches please click
here.
For trail directions click on the User's Web Page link near the
top of the page. An online trail map for DuPont is available
here.
The photo on the cache page is from beneath the upper section of
Bridal Veil Falls. Enjoy your time at DuPont State Forest!
FTF HONORS GO TO
TheOcho!!!
