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few feet. Over time, the waterfalls slowly recede upslope. If a waterfall hits a stronger region that resists erosion, lower level waterfalls can 'catch-up' and two waterfalls merge into one deeper waterfall. This process is causing the Umauma Falls to slowly move upslope over geologic time, though we can see the plunge-pools at the bases of the three Umauma Falls (Note: there are many other waterfalls on the Umauma River, also slowly moving upslope over geologic time). We can see what Umauma Falls might look like in the far distant future by visiting the neighboring river (KoleKole) just to the south of the Umauma River, which has a very large single waterfall, known as
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Eventually, the face of a waterfall will become undermined by the plunge-pool, and will cave into the pool, filling it with debris. Subsequently, the debris is removed by additional heavy rainfalls, leaving a new plunge-pool relatively free of debris. The waterfall, however, has moved up-slope by a
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Rainfall can at times be intense, and two feet of rain in a few hours has been recorded in historic times, and presumably even heavier rains can occur, and the further up-slope, the more intense the rainfall. Such rainfalls can swell the rivers to huge flows, moving boulders and rocks downstream.
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eruptions from the flanks of Mauna Kea, which also deposited a 10-meter thick layer of ash, which is now the fertile soil presently found on the relatively level or gentle-slope portions. Due to the flow of the trade-winds, the southern regions of the eastern flank of Mauna Kea have higher
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rainfalls than the northern regions. The Umauma River is at the dividing line between heavy rains to the south, and lighter rains to the north. It is the most northernly river to have a continuous flow and not dry up during the dry season.
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with the waterfalls overlook as part of the tourist attraction. Subsequently, the waterfall overlook ownership was transferred circa 2008, and access to the overlook is now through
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wherever they hit, and this forms small waterfalls. Over time, as boulders fall over the waterfall, they erode deeply at the base of the waterfall, forming a
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along the gulch edge and its guava trees, replacing it with a concrete platform, retaining walls, and steel railing, which is its present configuration.
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located on private botanical garden property accessible for a fee. The overlook was constructed in 1996 by Walter L. Wagner who was developing the
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on which flank it flows slowly emerged from the sea beginning millions of years ago. During this period, the volcano formed alternating layers of
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The Umauma Falls were accessible for viewing until relatively recently only by walking upslope along the river bed. In 1995 the founder of the
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As the boulders tumble down slope, they will tend to cause
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The Umauma Falls and River has been forming since the
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in close proximity. They are easily viewed from an
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