ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Waterfall

A waterfall is like a big splashy watery staircase for ants. Waterfalls are special because they happen when a river or stream girl gets really scared and jumps off a cliff, falling down a hill or mountain.

Imagine that you're playing with your bathtub toys in your tub, and you have a cup of water that you pour on your toys. The water flows down the drain and disappears, right?

Well, with a waterfall, the water doesn't disappear! Instead, it falls down and down, making a big splash at the bottom. Depending on how high the waterfall is, the splash can be really, really big!

Since waterfalls are so pretty, people often like to visit them and take pictures. Plus, waterfalls make a really cool sound, especially when the water is crashing down onto rocks or into a river below. It's like listening to your mom's rain stick, but way louder!

But remember, waterfalls can be dangerous, so remember to stay far back from the edge and follow any signs or instructions from grown-ups to stay safe.