Selandjafoss' plunge pool (Iceland)

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A plunge pool, also known as a waterfall lake, is a pool, lake, or pond that is small in diameter, but deep. Plunge pools are formed under the force of a vertical displacement of water, from natural sources such as a waterfall or rapids, but also as the result of scour from man-made objects such as spillways and bridge abutments. The swirling water, sometimes carrying rocks within it, erodes the riverbed into a basin, often featuring irregular and rough sides. Plunge pools can remain after the waterfall has ceased to exist or the stream has been diverted.

The term can also refer to a small deep swimming pool used to cool off.

[edit] See also

Water going over the falls carries sand and pebbles that scour a plunge pool at its base.

• Stream pool
• Knickpoint
• Plunge basin

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