Tiered waterfalls

A series of distinct drops, one below the other.

Tiered (or multi-step) waterfalls descend in separate stages, each with its own pool or ledge before the next drop. They form where the river crosses several resistant rock bands, or where a glacier left a staircase of hanging steps. Many of the world's tallest falls are tiered, which is why height figures for them are argued about.

How to recognise one

Look for visible breaks between drops, often with a pool you can walk to between the upper and lower falls.

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