June 15, 2007 - Plunge Hole, Watkins Glen

Canon 5D, 24 - 105 mm f/4L IS @ 24 mm, f/16, 1.3 sec., ISO 100, Polarizer

Plunge holes (or "potholes" as they're often called) are created by rapidly moving water containing small stones, dirt, and sand. They usually are formed at the base of waterfalls much taller than the one shown here. Actually, there probably was a much taller one in this location at some point in the past.

One interesting side-note: In 1935, a flood in this area resulted in water levels some 60 to 70 feet above the level of this pool. It almost reached the top of the gorge itself. Many of the paths, bridges, and steps were badly damaged or destroyed. I'm guessing that a little bit of erosion occurred that year!