Fluvial Erosion - Waterfalls:

Introduction:
1. A waterfall is a point where there is an interruption in the
river profile and the water makes a vertical drop.
2. When a river possesses more energy than it needs to transport
its load, some of the excess energy is used in erosion.
3. This transfer of energy results in the downcutting and
undercutting of the slope resulting in headward erosion.
4. Torc Waterfall, Killarney, Co. Kerry and Assleagh Falls near
Killary Harbour are well known waterfalls in Ireland.

Differential Erosion:
1. Most waterfalls develop where the river meets a band of
softer, less resistant rock after flowing over harder, more
resistant rock.
2. As a result of differential erosion, the water quickly erodes
the softer rock by the process of abrasion and hydraulic
action.
3. Differential erosion is the process whereby different rock
types erode at different rates, less resistant rocks are eroded
far quicker than more resistant rocks.

Abrasion:
1. Mainly through the process of abrasion, the river begins to
cut downwards into the softer rock, steepening the river
gradient.
2. The process of abrasion occurs where the river uses the force
of its load to erode, hurling sediment against the banks and
bed in a sandpapering effect.

Hydraulic Action:
1. As the falling water hits the soft rock on the riverbed, its
energy cuts out a deep hole called a plunge pool directly
beneath the fall.
2. The falling water is not hindered by friction so its velocity
and power to erode are increased.
3. The falling water begins to undercut the softer rock of the
waterfall, mainly by hydraulic action, creating an overhang.
4. Hydraulic action is the sheer force of moving water.

Headward Erosion:
1. In time the band of hard rock is deeply undercut and becomes
unstable, eventually breaking off and collapsing into the
plunge pool.
2. The processes of undercutting and collapse are repeated many
times, and result in headward erosion of the waterfall.
3. The waterfall gradually retreats upstream to leave a steepsided gorge; Niagra Falls occupies one such gorge.