High Force facts for kids
High Force is a famous waterfall in Britain. It is located in Teesdale, which is part of County Durham in England. This impressive waterfall is one of the largest in the UK. It was formed over many thousands of years by the powerful forces of nature.
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What Makes High Force Special?
High Force is known for its height and the amount of water that crashes down. It is a very popular spot for visitors who want to see the beauty of nature. The waterfall is part of the River Tees, which flows through a beautiful valley.
How High Force Was Formed
The creation of High Force is a great example of how erosion shapes our planet. Imagine a river flowing over different types of rock. In the case of High Force, the river flowed over two main layers of rock.
The top layer is made of a very hard rock called igneous rock. This type of rock is formed from cooled lava or magma, making it very strong. Below this hard layer is a softer rock called limestone. Limestone is a sedimentary rock, which means it's made from layers of sediment that have been pressed together over time.
As the River Tees flowed, it slowly wore away the softer limestone underneath the hard igneous rock. The harder rock on top resisted the erosion much better. Over a very long time, the softer rock was worn away faster, creating an overhang. Eventually, the hard rock above broke off, and the waterfall slowly moved upstream, creating the dramatic drop we see today.
Where to Find High Force
High Force is situated in the North Pennines, an area known for its stunning landscapes. It is part of a protected area called an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This means the area is special and important to protect. Visitors can often reach the waterfall by following walking paths, like parts of the Pennine Way, which is a long-distance walking trail.
Images for kids
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A view including the now rarely seen second fall on the right
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Storm conditions in 1968
