The blockchain protocol is the set of rules governing the decentralized network of digital currencies. 

As these networks operate on a consensus basis, maintaining uniformity in rules is essential for preserving the integrity and historical accuracy of the blockchain. 

When these agreed-upon rules are not uniformly followed, it can lead to a phenomenon known as a chain split, where different blockchains run simultaneously on different parts of the network.

Blockchain forks can be broadly divided into two main categories: 

Accidental Forks

Accidental forks can happen when two miners discover a block almost at the same time. 

This causes two separate blockchains to be temporarily formed. However, this type of fork is usually resolved quickly. 

As more blocks are added to one of the chains, it becomes longer than the other, and the blocks on the shorter chain are discarded. 

This process ensures that the blockchain remains intact and continuous.

Intentional Forks

Unlike accidental forks, hard forks involve changing the protocol rules and can create a new cryptocurrency. 

The success of these forks depends on community support. Without enough support, the new token may become worthless and abandoned. 

However, with sufficient backing, the original and new cryptocurrencies can develop and thrive independently.

Intentional forks are further categorized into soft forks and hard forks:

Soft Forks

Soft forks are updates that are minor and compatible with previous rules. 

They don't make previous rules obsolete and don't require immediate updates from all users. 

As users gradually update their software, the blockchain transitions to a single, updated version. 

Soft forks are generally used to implement non-critical changes like optimizations or bug fixes.

Hard Forks

Hard forks are more significant, as they involve updates that are incompatible with earlier versions. 

When these changes are made, they cannot be undone, and all users must adopt the new protocol. 

If some users do not update their software, a split occurs, or fork, thus creating two distinct blockchains. 

Historical Instances of Notable Hard Forks

Several hard forks in the history of cryptocurrencies have had significant impacts:

Bitcoin Cash (BCH) came into existence in 2017 due to disagreements within the Bitcoin community about the size of its blocks and the Segregated Witness implementation. Bitcoin Cash and Bitcoin share the same transaction history until a certain block, after which they diverge.

Ethereum Classic (ETC) was created after the DAO hack in 2016. The Ethereum community was divided over how to handle the aftermath of the hack, which led to a hard fork at block 1,920,000 and the birth of Ethereum Classic.

Cloning Versus Forking

Cloning and forking may sound similar, but they are different processes. Cloning involves making a copy of an existing cryptocurrency's codebase and then making changes to create a new blockchain. 

This has led to different types of alternative coins, or altcoins, and has encouraged innovation in the cryptocurrency world.

For instance, Litecoin was created by Charlie Lee, who modified the codebase of Bitcoin to enhance transaction speeds and scalability. 

A new hashing algorithm called “Scrypt” replaced Bitcoin’s SHA256 method. This resulted in a cryptocurrency that was very similar to Bitcoin, but quicker.

Forks are important for creating and improving digital currencies. As more diverse groups enter the industry, forks will likely continue to play a significant role in its growth and development. 

In conclusion, blockchain forks, whether accidental or intentional, are necessary for the evolution of the cryptocurrency world. 

They help resolve disputes, introduce new features, and even create new digital currencies. 

These forks allow networks to adapt and evolve in response to technological advancements and community-driven changes, shaping the landscape of blockchain technology.

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