kaskaadid

Kaskaadid (Estonian for cascades) are a type of river morphology consisting of a chain of small waterfalls or ledges along a stream or river. They form a stepped profile where the water drops from one level to another, often creating plunge pools downstream of each step. The term is used in geomorphology to describe river sections featuring multiple hydraulic drops rather than a single fall.

They arise where there is differential erosion: hard cap rocks over softer substrates; faulting, fracturing, or glacially carved landscapes create terraces; flowing water exploiting these steps leads to a series of cascades; the individual drop heights vary; sometimes a single rock outcrop or a sequence of resistant beds controls the arrangement.

Hydrology and ecology: Flow regimes shaped by cascades produce high turbulence, rapid oxygenation, and diverse microhabitats; fish migration may be hindered; sediment transport is often segmented; seasonal variability in discharge alters the appearance and activity of kaskaadid.

In human contexts, cascades are valued for scenic beauty and are sometimes protected in parks or reserves; they can pose challenges for hydropower or water management projects; preserving natural kaskaadid involves limiting sedimentation, maintaining riffle-pool dynamics, and avoiding irreversible channel modification.