This article is about natural river formations.

For decorative waterfalls, see Artificial waterfall. For

other uses, see Waterfall (disambiguation).

Angel Falls in Venezuela is the world's tallest waterfall at 979 m (3,212 ft).

A waterfall is a point in a river or stream where water flows over a vertical drop or a series of

steep drops. Waterfalls also occur where meltwater drops over the edge of a
tabular iceberg or ice shelf.
Waterfalls can be formed in several ways, but the most common method of formation is that a
river courses over a top layer of resistant bedrock before falling on to softer rock,
which erodes faster, leading to an increasingly high fall. Waterfalls have been studied for their
impact on species living in and around them.
Humans have had a distinct relationship with waterfalls for years, travelling to see them,
exploring and naming them. They can present formidable barriers to navigation along rivers.
Waterfalls are religious sites in many cultures. Since the 18th century they have received
increased attention as tourist destinations, sources of hydropower, and—particularly since the
mid-20th century—as subjects of research.