cascád

Cascád is a natural formation where water flows over a vertical drop or a series of steep drops. These geological features are found in rivers and streams, typically where a hard rock stratum lies above a softer rock layer. Erosion plays a significant role in their formation, with the softer rock wearing away more quickly, creating an overhang of the harder rock that the water then plunges over.

Cascáds vary greatly in size and appearance. Some are massive, with water falling hundreds of feet, while others are small and intimate. The shape of the rock formation and the volume of water flowing over it determine the characteristic appearance of a cascad. They can be a single, sheer drop, or a series of steps, often referred to as a tiered or staired cascad. The force of the falling water can create a mist that rises from the base, and the surrounding environment is often lush with vegetation that thrives in the moist conditions.

Cascáds are popular natural attractions, drawing visitors for their scenic beauty and the opportunities for recreation such as hiking, photography, and sometimes even swimming or rappelling in areas where it is safe. The sound of falling water is often described as powerful and soothing. The geological processes that create cascáds are ongoing, meaning their appearance can change over time due to erosion and geological shifts.