cavitation

In hydraulics, erosion of rocks caused by the forcing of air into cracks. Cavitation results from the pounding of waves on the coast and the swirling of turbulent river currents, and exerts great pressure, eventually causing rocks to break apart.

The process is particularly common at waterfalls, where the turbulent falling water contains many air bubbles, which burst and send shock waves into the rocks of the river bed and banks. In addition, as water is forced into cracks in the rock, air within the crack is compressed and literally explodes, helping to break down the rock.

cavitation

Formation of cavities containing a partial vacuum in fluids at high velocities, produced by propellers or other machine parts in hydraulic engines, in accordance with Bernoulli's principle. When these cavities collapse, pitting, vibration, and noise can occur in the metal parts in contact with the fluids.