waterfall

Everyday

A waterfall is a place where a river or stream flows over the edge of a cliff or steep rock and falls down. tree →

In the lessons

In geography lessons pupils learn how waterfalls form: a river flows over hard rock onto softer rock, the soft rock wears away faster, and a step and a plunge pool form; the waterfall slowly moves back upstream. Famous waterfalls include Niagara Falls (Canada/USA), Victoria Falls, Angel Falls (the highest) and many in New Zealand and Australia. In science, falling water can make electricity. Safety: rocks near waterfalls are slippery; stay behind barriers. Phrases: «plunge pool», «the falls».

Examples

• We walked to the waterfall in the forest. tree →
• Niagara Falls is on the border of Canada and the USA. tree →
• The waterfall roared as we got closer. tree →
• Angel Falls is the highest waterfall in the world. tree →
• Rocks near a waterfall are slippery. tree →
• The water crashes into a plunge pool. tree →
• A rainbow appeared in the waterfall's spray. tree →
• They lay in wait at the waterfalls up which I leaped like a silver flash. tree →

Note

Plural: waterfalls. One word. Names often use «Falls» (plural) for one waterfall: «Niagara Falls is…». Small waterfalls are «cascades».