Waterfallogy
Waterfallogy is the study of waterfalls. This combines elements of science, social science and the arts.
Geographer Brian Hudson points out that "Unlike cave research, known as speleology, which also involves many different disciplines, the study of waterfalls is not generally regarded as a distinct branch of knowledge." (Journal of Cultural Geography, 2013, vol 30: 356-379.).
Why is this? Caves, glaciers, volcanoes and waterfalls are all natural landscape features. So why do we have speleology, glaciology and volcanology, but no 'waterfallogy'?
The term 'Waterfallogy' appeared in the ‘Waterfalls of Ontario’ book and website as early as 2003.
Surprisingly, you won't find much if you google this term. A few published articles like this one and (this one referenced the 2004 version of Waterfalls of Ontario.com.
Was this project the first to use the word 'Waterfallogy'? That would be hard to believe, but have yet to find an earlier source (?).
Join our Facebook community to share tips, photos and updates. Operating since 2011, this well-moderated, respectful, and informative group is the hub of Ontario's waterfalling community. (Photo by Martin Van Opstal)
