formations

• waterfalls and gorge formation?

  • layers of hard and soft rock
  • soft rock eroded, hard rock is resistant = creates and overhang of hard rock
  • gravity pulls overhang down and it falls into plunge pool
  • waterfall retreats upstream to leave a gorge
• meanders and ox-bow lakes formation?

  • lateral erosion
  • energy carries sediment and erodes outside of bend
  • neck of river narrows
  • when flooded = high energy = erodes river neck to create new channel
  • water takes fastest route = old bend becomes ox-bow lake - no water flows = becomes dried up