The Falls (theory)

The Falls theory suggests that rivers create deep, steep-sided valleys, called waterfalls, as a natural part of their erosion process. Over time, faster-flowing water erodes softer rock layers more quickly than harder layers, causing the river to plunge downward, forming a waterfall. Downstream, erosion continues, causing the waterfall to retreat upstream gradually. This ongoing process shapes the landscape, resulting in the characteristic steep drops and plunge pools associated with waterfalls. The theory helps explain how such features develop naturally over geological time scales through the consistent action of water erosion.