What are Potholes and Plunge Pools?

Answer: More or less circular depressions known as potholes develop over the rocky bed of hill streams due to stream erosion aided by the abrasion of rock fragments.

The diameter and depth of potholes, ranging from a few centimetres to several metres, are cylindrical holes drilled into the bottom of a river. They are located in a river’s upper course, with enough potential energy for vertical erosion and turbulent flow.

Depending on the irregularities of the land surface, the overland flow may concentrate on narrow to wide paths, which causes sheet erosion. Plunge pools are names for such substantial, deep openings at the base of waterfalls.