Shell in Big Horn County, Wyoming — The American West (Mountains)
Forming Waterfalls
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, July 24, 2015
1. Forming Waterfalls Marker
If you are a seeker of waterfalls . . .
. . . . mark Shell Falls as unique in terms of waterfall origin. Waterfalls form in three basic ways:
1. Where Hard Meets Soft
Falls commonly form where a hard, resistant streambed meets a softer one. Water erodes soft layers faster, resulting in an abrupt, nearly vertical drop. Victoria and Niagra Falls are famous examples.
2. Hanging Valleys
When a river cuts the main channel at a faster rate than smaller side channels, a ledge forms where they come together. Multnomah Falls in Oregon and Yosemite Falls in California represent “hanging valley” waterfalls.
3. The Earth Moves
Shifts or faults in the earths crust can cause steep ledges that form falls when rivers flow over them. Shell Falls is a prime example.
They left their home of the summers ease
Beneath the lowland sheltering trees,
To seek by means unknown to all
The promise of the waterfall.
~ Whittier
Erected by Bighorn National Forest.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Natural Features.
Location. 44° 35.207′ N, 107° 36.893′ W. Marker is in Shell, Wyoming, in Big Horn
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Wyoming’s Bighorn Basin. It is also in the American Mountain West and in the Lewis & Clark Corridor. Globally, it is in North America, the Rocky Mountains, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Shaping a Canyon (here, next to this marker); A 4,000 Mile Journey (here, next to this marker); Oasis in the Desert (a few steps from this marker); Lifeblood of the West (a few steps from this marker); Carving a Course (a few steps from this marker); Hummingbirds (a few steps from this marker); Moving Mountains (within shouting distance of this marker); Wringing Out a Livelihood (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Shell.
More about this marker. Photographs of Niagra Falls, Multnomah Falls and Shell Falls appear on the marker.
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, July 24/15Th
2. Forming Waterfalls Marker
There are several markers at this location. The Forming Waterfalls marker is in the center of those seen here.
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, July 24, 2015
3. Shell Falls
This waterfall is located a short walk from the marker.
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, July 24, 2015
4. Bighorn National Forest
Marker is located in the Shell Falls Interpretive Site in Bighorn National Forest.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on September 4, 2015, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 537 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 4, 2015, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.
