Ruby Falls is an underground waterfall within a cave in Tennessee, USA
Ruby Falls is an underground waterfall within a cave in Tennessee, USA

A subterranean waterfall or underground waterfall is a waterfall located underground, usually in a cave or mine.[1] They are a common feature in cave systems where there are vertical or near vertical geological structures for the weathering process to exploit, and sufficient gradient between the sink and the rising.[2][3] The highest known subterranean waterfall is in Vrtoglavica Cave in Slovenia, and is at least 400 metres (1,300 ft).[4] A renowned example in the United States is Ruby Falls, 44 metres (144 ft) high, in Lookout Mountain Caverns, a show cave in Tennessee.[5]

See also

References

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Subterranean waterfalls.
  1. ^ "10 Most Incredible Cave Waterfalls on Earth". World Reviewer. Retrieved 4 April 2016.
  2. ^ Kevin Adams (1 June 2002). Waterfalls of Virginia and West Virginia: A Hiking and Photography Guide. Menasha Ridge Press. p. 32. ISBN 978-0-89732-414-4.
  3. ^ Waltham, Tony; Murphy, Phil (2013). Waltham, Tony; Lowe, Dave (eds.). Caves and Karst of the Yorkshire Dales. Buxton: British Cave Research Association. p. 136. ISBN 978-0900265-46-4.
  4. ^ Pavils, Gatis. "Vrtiglavica Cave and Waterfall". Wondermondo. Retrieved 4 April 2017.
  5. ^ "Tennessee's Spectacular Underground Waterfall". The Weather Channel. 21 March 2014. Retrieved 4 April 2016.
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