Waterfalls & Rapids in the United States Quiz
Niagara Falls, erosion processes (10 questions).
Waterfalls & Rapids in the United States Quiz: Quick Study Notes
Waterfalls are dynamic geological features where water flows over a vertical drop or a series of steep drops in the course of a stream or river. In the United States, these features range from the massive volume of Niagara Falls to the towering height of Yosemite Falls, shaped by powerful forces of erosion.
Key Takeaways
- Niagara Falls is located on the border of New York and Ontario.
- Erosion at the base of a waterfall undermines the caprock, causing collapse.
- Yosemite Falls in California drops a total of 2,425 feet.
- Rapids are classified from Class I (easy) to Class VI (extreme risk).
- Cumberland Falls in Kentucky is known as the “Niagara of the South”.
What are the three sections of Niagara Falls?
They are the Horseshoe Falls (Canadian), the American Falls, and the Bridal Veil Falls.
Why do waterfalls move upstream?
Water erodes the soft rock at the base (plunge pool), leaving the hard top layer unsupported until it breaks off, moving the face of the falls backward.
What is the tallest waterfall in the continental US?
While debated based on “single drop” vs “total height,” Yosemite Falls (2,425 ft) is generally cited as the tallest tiered waterfall.
What is a knickpoint?
A knickpoint is a point of sudden change in the longitudinal profile of a stream, often manifesting as a waterfall or rapids.
What defines Class VI rapids?
Class VI rapids represent the extreme limit of navigability, characterized by extreme danger, unpredictability, and severe consequences for errors.
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