Imminent River Capture: A Geological Spectacle in the Making
2025-07-18
Near Canton, North Carolina, the headwaters of Hominy Creek (a tributary of the French Broad River) are poised to 'capture' the Pigeon River. A 400-foot elevation difference between the valleys, and a mere 1500 feet separating Hominy Creek's headwaters from the Pigeon River with minimal dividing ridge, sets the stage for this geological event known as stream capture. The resulting spectacle will be impressive waterfalls and gorge formation. While the exact timing is unpredictable, this is geologically imminent, with future floods potentially accelerating the process.
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stream capture