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What is a cataract waterfall?

GeographyWaterfalls

Quick Answer

A cataract waterfall is a very large, powerful waterfall or rapids section in a river, often where water drops or rushes over a steep descent.

The Full Story

In geography, a cataract can refer to a major waterfall or a set of violent rapids. The term is used for dramatic river features such as the cataracts of the Nile, which historically made navigation difficult. Cataracts are typically formed where resistant rock, tectonic uplift, or abrupt changes in river gradient force water to tumble turbulently. They can be more like a long stretch of foaming whitewater than a single vertical drop.

Key Facts

1.A cataract is a powerful waterfall or rapids
2.The term is often used for difficult-to-navigate river sections
3.Cataracts may form where resistant rock interrupts a river

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Suggested video title for this topic:

"Not all waterfalls are single dropsβ€”some are roaring river chaos"