Waterfall FormationUndercut the rock. Watch the falls retreat.

3D graphics are not available in this browser. This flat side view, the lesson and the quiz still work.
Water flow
Caprock

Erosion arrows

Drag the model to turn it. Scroll or pinch to zoom.

Playback speed
Units
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Keys: Space plays or pauses, 1 to 4 pick a phase, [ and ] jump between time stops, R resets, X cross-section, V arrows, T labels, C controls, L lesson, P presents, D light or dark, arrow keys turn the view, plus and minus zoom, Esc closes panels.

How a waterfall forms and moves upstream

What to try