Characteristics and assessment of selected waterfalls formed in different geological basements in Thailand

Abstract

Thailand is under the influence of the complicated tectonic settings, resulting in various geomorphological features, especially waterfalls. There has been no insightful research conducted to describe the relationship between the types of waterfalls and the lithology of basements. Thus, this work aims to classify representative waterfalls and describe their lithology, origin, and characteristics. The twelve selected waterfalls are distributed in ten provinces with different basements. Field investigations (lithology, structure, and geomorphology) and geoinformatics analysis were integrated and co-interpreted with geological interpretations, characteristics, classification, and assessment. High-grade metamorphic rocks associated with granitoids demonstrate fan-type waterfalls with high slopes, and limestone presents multi-tiered waterfalls with vividly coloured pools, while sandstone in the Khorat Plateau exhibits three types of waterfalls including cascade, plunge, and punchbowl. National park authorities manage all the studied waterfalls, so these areas have outstanding natural and tourism values, while education and international also present good scores.