Potholes

By Angus

Where?

• Potholes can be found in the upper course of the river, they can only be found in areas where the river bedrock is solid, but it has to be a type of soft rock for example limestone.

formation

River potholes can be created when larger pieces of load that the river cannot remove by traction are swirled around by eddy currents. An eddy current is where the water turns round on itself. The river is not strong enough here to pull the large boulder (as in the diagram,) the obstruction creates a swirling motion in the water. Eventually, the boulder creates a pothole, by abrasion on the river bed.

Bourkes-Luck-PotholesSouth Africa

Some of the most famous potholes in the world. They are a natural water feature and marks the beginning of Blyde River Canyon. These potholes are named after a gold digger Tom Burke.

The end!