Letchworth Gorge in New York has three waterfalls along the Genesee River, with inner channel features that formed during the final waning stages of catastrophic flooding — not initial erosion. Researchers argue the canyon cutting and Finger Lakes formation were the same event or sequence. V-shaped means slow, vertical walls mean catastrophic. 🔍
Letchworth Gorge inner channel carved during waning megaflood stages
Key facts
- Letchworth Gorge contains three waterfalls along the Genesee River, which flows north into Lake Ontario at Rochester
- V-shaped channels indicate slow erosion; vertical/overhanging walls indicate catastrophic erosion
- Inner channel features visible at Letchworth represent the final stages of waning flood waters, not initial erosion
- Sheet flood initially washes away topsoil (up to 200 ft thick near Palouse Falls), then exploits fractures and faults in bedrock
- At the peak of the flood, the Letchworth canyon was likely filled to the brim with water
- The cutting of Letchworth Canyon and the Finger Lakes is argued to be the same event or sequence of events
Sources
Letchworth State Park - Park and Waterfall Guide (New York)nyfalls.com
Most people come to Letchworth State Park to see the 3 popular waterfalls: Lower, Middle and Upper Genesee Falls, which can all be easily found by travelling ...
10 Best waterfall trails in Letchworth State Parkalltrails.com
#1 - Lower Falls via Portage Bridge · #2 - Inspiration Point and Lower Falls via Gorge Trail · #3 - Lower Falls and Gorge Trail · #4 - Letchworth Gorge and Hemlock ...
The Waterfalls of Letchworth State Park - Alexandersmapalexandersmap.com
The three waterfalls in the southern section of the park are the Upper Falls, Middle Falls and Lower Falls. The Lower Falls are further away … ...
Letchworth State Parken.wikipedia.org
The park prominently features three large waterfalls – the Upper, Middle, and Lower Falls – on the Genesee River, which flows within a deep gorge that winds ...
Letchworth State Park - Hiking, Waterfall and Camping Guidemakingmyownlane.com
The three main waterfalls, Upper Falls, Middle Falls and Lower Falls, and the 600-foot deep Genesee River Gorge are awe-inspiring.
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