zuhatagok

Zuhatagok is the Hungarian term for waterfalls. The word refers to a natural feature in which water from a river or stream drops vertically or in steps over a cliff or steep slope, creating a visible descent and often mist.

Waterfalls form where a river or stream encounters rock of varying resistance, or where geological uplift places a drop in the flow path. Erosion wears away softer rock beneath a harder cap rock, causing the channel to overstep and the waterfall to retreat upstream over time. Waterfall styles are commonly described by the way water moves down: plunge (water loses contact with bedrock as it falls freely), horsetail (water maintains some contact while it descends), cascade (water descends over a series of rock steps), fan (water spreads out in a fan-like sheet), and tiered (a sequence of distinct drops).

Characteristics include a plunge pool at the base, spray and mist, and sometimes a sharp headwall. The height, width, and flow rate vary greatly and may change with season and rainfall. In many locations, waterfalls are seasonal, with higher flow during snowmelt or heavy rains and reduced flow during dry periods.

Ecologically, zuh tagok create microhabitats and are often part of protected landscapes. They are popular for hiking, photography, and ecotourism, but can pose hazards from rockfall or sudden flooding; responsible access and conservation measures help mitigate risks.

Zuhatagok occur in a wide range of climates and terrains worldwide. Notable examples include Angel Falls in Venezuela, Niagara Falls on the Canada–United States border, and Iguazu Falls on the Argentina–Brazil border.