What Are Potholes?
Numerous pits and caves are
scattered throughout the granite riverbeds beneath the Holy Bell Peak. These
unique formations feature a narrow opening, a spacious interior, a level base,
and smooth walls, bearing a resemblance to the shape of teapots. Geoscience
specialists have labeled these geological formations as potholes. Potholes
predominantly form beneath watercourse falls, cliffs, and rapids with steep
slopes. How do potholes evolve? As water continues to flow, it gradually
sculpts small pits at the junctions of bed rocks through the erosive action of
both the water and gravel. The small pits gradually enlarge due to the erosive
force of the water and gravel, while "central axes" begin to form at
the bottom of these pits and gradually diminish until they disappear
completely. Year after year, these depressions eventually transform into
potholes as the gravel within them gradually wears away and takes on a smooth,
rounded shape.
