Plunge waterfalls

Water leaves the rock entirely and falls free through the air.

In a plunge waterfall the water loses contact with the rock face as it drops, so it falls as a free column or curtain. It is the classic postcard shape, and usually means a hard layer of rock at the lip over a softer layer that has been cut back beneath it. Tall plunges often turn to mist before they land.

How to recognise one

Look for a clear gap between the falling water and the cliff behind it, and a deep pool or a spray cloud at the base.

For the geology behind the shapes, read how waterfalls form.