Name: Jericho L.

Radaza Date: February 2, 2022

Name: John Gabriel Galope
Course yr.: BPEd - 3rd year Instructor: Mr. Marvin Janlay

PED 20
Aquatic and Swimming
Concepts

A waterfall is a river or other body of water's steep fall over a rocky ledge into a plunge
pool below. Waterfalls are also called cascades. The process of erosion, the wearing a
way of earth, plays an important part in the formation of waterfalls. Waterfalls
themselves also contribute to erosion. Often, waterfalls form as streams flow from soft
rock to hard rock. This happens both laterally (as a stream flows across the earth) and
vertically (as the stream drops in a waterfall). In both cases, the soft rock erodes,
leaving a hard ledge over which the stream falls. A fall line is the imaginary line along
which parallel rivers plunge as they flow from uplands to lowlands. Many waterfalls in an
area help geologists and hydrologists determine a region's fall line and underlying rock
structure. As a stream flows, it carries sediment. The sediment can be microscopic silt,
pebbles, or even boulders. Sediment can erode stream beds made of soft rock, such as
sandstone or limestone. Eventually, the stream's channel cuts so deep into the stream
bed that only a harder rock, such as granite, remains. Waterfalls develop as these
granite formations form cliffs and ledges. A stream's velocity increases as it nears a
waterfall, increasing the amount of erosion taking place. The movement of water at the
top of a waterfall can erode rocks to be very flat and smooth. Rushing water and
sediment topple over the waterfall, eroding the plunge pool at the base. The crashing
flow of the water may also create powerful whirlpools that erode the rock of the plunge
pool beneath them. The resulting erosion at the base of a waterfall can be very
dramatic, and cause the waterfall to "recede." The area behind the waterfall is worn
away, creating a hollow, cave-like structure called a "rock shelter." Eventually, the rocky
ledge (called the outcropping) may tumble down, sending boulders into the stream bed
and plunge pool below. This causes the waterfall to "recede" many meters upstream.
The waterfall erosion process starts again, breaking down the boulders of the former
outcropping. Erosion is just one process that can form waterfalls. A waterfall may form
across a fault, or crack in the Earth’s surface. An earthquake, landslide, glacier, or
volcano may also disrupt stream beds and help create waterfalls.

Formation of Water Falls

1. More erosion on less erosion while erosion on resistant while erosion on resistant
Rock Differential erosion

2. Erosion in terms of hydraulic action/vertical erosion is serious.

3. Vertical descent of water/waterfall is formed.

4.The base of the waterfall is undercut by eddy movement.

5. The base is widened and deepened forming plunge pool.

Waterfalls are mostly well managed for safety, with local risks displayed by local
signage and indicated by protective barriers. Please observe these signs and barriers,
and make your own assessment of risk independent of anything presented on this
guide. Conditions can vary markedly from waterfall to waterfall, and can change rapidly
at individual waterfalls in response to rainfall.

There is always the temptation to get as close as you possibly can to a waterfall, or to
try to reach that special spot where you think you will get the best view. Remember to
think first before you move, identify hazards and assess the risks, including the risks of
serious injury or death. The likelihood of getting medical attention quickly at many
waterfalls is low.

In addition to any specific advice that may be available from local jurisdictions, some of
the risks to be mindful of at waterfalls include:
- risk of drowning by getting too close to the water;
- slipping on wet rocks, loose rocks or steep slopes;
- an attack of vertigo by getting too close to a waterfall edge;
- Beware of animal hazards, such as crocodiles, snakes, leeches, ticks, etc. Animal
hazards are generally site specific, so heed warning signs and research local swimming
safety information if you are visiting an area where you do not know or understand the
local animal hazards. Light colored clothing is recommended for areas with march flies,
mosquitos, ticks or leeches, so that it is easier to see these animals when they are on
your clothing;
- Use a sunscreen to avoid sunburn and skin cancer;
- Use an insect repellant, particularly if you are travelling into bush or jungle;
- Avoid swimming directly under waterfalls. Any debris flowing over the waterfall could
cause injury if it hits you from above. At many larger waterfalls, water turbulence at the
base of the waterfall under cuts the rock face, creating a rock ledge (sometimes
submerged and not visible from the surface) and undercurrents that can both push you
under the water and jam you underneath the rock ledge. Over my time documenting
swimming holes, several people have drowned as a result of being sucked under large
waterfalls.

- Be extra careful when it rains. After heavy rain, rivers can swell quickly. Roads can be
cutoff and washed away, so if the weather is wet, take extra care and seek advice from
emergency services in your local area;
- Be extra careful during bushfire weather. Seek advice from emergency services in
your local area during days of high fire danger. If you sense any fire danger, act early
and act quickly, as fire can move very fast. Plan alternative exit routes in remote areas
before you visit your waterfall; and

- Above all, use your common sense. Conditions can change rapidly. Continually re-
assess the risks and act accordingly, which may include deciding not to visit. In addition
to the above checklist, do your own independent safety planning and risk management
before you visit your waterfall.