Archive - Carpenter Falls and Differential Weathering
November 07, 2020
Every weekend we present a notable item from our archives. This EPOD was originally published November 7, 2003.
Referred by: Peter Saracino
Summary author: Peter Saracino
Located in the Finger Lakes region of upstate New York, Carpenter Falls is a wonderful study in differential weathering. The cataract is one of several beautiful waterfalls that can be found along Bear Swamp creek as it journeys to Skaneateles Lake. The creek flows over a shelf of Tully Limestone before plummeting straight down for 85 feet (26 m) -- this limestone is more resilient than the underlying shale. Fast-flowing water, combined with the action of ice, has created a large recess behind the falls. Eventually, the limestone shelf will break under its own weight, causing the falls to walk back upstream.
Of interest to note is the fact that the 13th President of the United States, Millard Fillmore, may have enjoyed the beautiful serenity of this place. He was born only a few miles down the road from Carpenter Falls.
Steve Duprey contributed to this caption.
Related Links:
- The Icy Origins of the Finger Lakes
- Geological History and Glacial Formation of the Finger Lakes
- Waterfalls of New York
- Marcus Whitman High School, Rushville, N.Y.
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