A story about the beauty of waterfall water. Victoria Falls. Niagara Falls - winter light show
Waterfalls are one of the amazing natural creations. It leaves an indelible impression on everyone who sees this magnificent dynamic phenomenon.
In this article we will introduce some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world.
What are the most beautiful waterfalls in the world?
Waterfalls are among those types of natural wonders that are both impressive and awe-inspiring. This is a kind of demonstration of luxury, grandeur and, of course, the incredible power of nature. There are a huge variety of natural waterfalls in the world, varying in size, shape and beauty.
The most beautiful waterfalls on the planet are scattered across many parts of the world, and all of them cannot be described in one article. The most beautiful waterfalls are located in Iceland, USA, Venezuela, Brazil, Argentina, Zambia, India, Angola, Ethiopia and many other countries. And it is impossible to choose the best one among them - they are all good in their own way. Below is information about some of them - the most notable.
Angel
This natural wonder is located in Venezuela. Angel is not only the most beautiful waterfall, but also the highest in the entire globe (979 meters). But its peculiarity is not only in its beauty and size (there are a huge number of high cascades), but in its shape.
These powerful streams of water originate on Mount Auyantepui, which has steep slopes and a flat, wide peak. The waterfall can be considered one of the most dynamic species.
Niagara
When asked which waterfall is the most beautiful in the world, the answer that immediately comes to mind is Niagara. It can be called the most famous - its amazing views on both sides of it are recognizable to everyone. Its special feature is that it forms the border between two countries: Canada and the USA.
Its height is 53 meters.
Skógafoss
Among the most beautiful waterfalls in the world is the unusual cascade, which is located in Iceland, recognized as a paradise of wonderful waterfalls. Skógafoss is not only beautiful, but also the smoothest of the entire list.
Its waters fall from a 60-meter height surprisingly smoothly in the shape of an even rectangle, the width of which is 25 meters. This is due to the fact that there are no mountain ranges or rocks to prevent the fall of powerful water flows.
Huangoshu
The most famous waterfall located in China is Huangoshu. This is one of the rare cases when a water cascade is surrounded by picturesque landscapes. It is surrounded by a large amount of vegetation.
The width of the waterfall is 81 meters and the height is 74 m. This miraculous creation is considered the largest and most beautiful waterfall in China, but it is also the largest in all of Asia.
Gullfoss
In the kingdom of endless waterfalls, in Iceland, there is one unusual, powerful and strong waterfall falling into a huge crevice. The height of the cascade, consisting of two stages, is 32 meters (21 and 11 m, respectively), and the width is 20 m.
Gullfoss translates from Icelandic as “golden waterfall”. It is one of the most famous natural attractions of the state.
Kaieteur
Kaieteur is located in Guyana (west of the state) on the Potaro River, near the border with Venezuela. Its height is more than 221 meters (this is almost 5 times higher than Niagara), its width is approximately 100 m. Almost all the time it is surrounded by a cloud of fog, and a powerful stream of water here makes a strong roar.
This waterfall, inspiring a certain fear and being mystical, is not inferior to the famous Niagara and Iguazu, and therefore deserves to be included in the list of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world.
Victoria
The famous waterfall is located in Zambia. Its width is 1700 meters and its height is 104 meters. On all Earth this is the largest stream of continuously falling water.
The local name for this natural wonder is Mosi-Oa-Tunya (translated as “smoke that thunders”). Like Niagara, Victoria forms part of the border between the two states. These are Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Iguazu
Such a fabulous sight can only be seen here. Iguazu can be called the mother of all waterfalls. It is located on the border between 2 countries: Brazil and Argentina. This is a place of unique and fantastic beauty. Iguazu is a series of rather impressive waterfalls. Each of them has a height of more than 64 meters, the tallest of them reaches 82 meters.
This magnificent natural creation symbolizes true power.
Yosemite
This magnificent miracle of nature can also be considered one of the most beautiful waterfalls. Yosemite is an incredibly high (739 meters) and beautiful waterfall located in the United States. It looks like the tallest Angel, with no less magnificent landscapes and the roar of a powerful water cascade.
The waterfall is located on the territory of a protected National Park.
Detian
There is another waterfall in China that serves as an excellent option for forming the border between countries, like some of the above. Although Detian is not as large as many other powerful streams, it is still impressive enough to become part of the border between Vietnam and China.
Its width is 80 meters, and masses of water fall from a height of 50 meters along three cascades. This waterfall has the most picturesque environment that looks unique and fabulous.
Tis Issat
Issat Falls are located on the longest river on the planet, the Nile. During the dry season, due to the location of a hydroelectric dam on the river, the water flows dry up.
During the rainy season, you can see an impressive picture here - a falling wall of water up to 400 meters wide. Powerful streams flow from a height of 37-45 meters. During this period, it appears to be one of the most beautiful waterfalls surrounded by a magnificent exotic landscape.
Jim Jim
Surprisingly beautiful nature surrounds this relatively small waterfall (in terms of water volume) during the dry season. It has a classic rectangular shape with a continuous stream of water falling in a single cascade. Jim Jim is located in Kakadu National Park in Northern Australia. Its height is 150 meters. The best time to visit it is the rainy season (December-February). At this time, a huge waterfall falls from the upper plateau with powerful force.
During dry seasons, unfortunately, the flow of water from it stops. This transformation makes it special and unique.
Calandula
Angola also has a natural treasure. It is located in the northwestern part of the country, on the river. Lukala. The width of the Kalandula waterfall is 400-600 meters (depending on the volume of the flow), the height is 104 meters. It is the 2nd largest waterfall in Africa (after Victoria).
Calandula received its name in 1975, after Angola, freed from Portuguese rule, became independent. Before this, the waterfall was called "Duc de Braganza".
In Russia there are no such majestic waterfalls as the above-mentioned wonders, but there is also something to brag about and something to see.
Eg, Zeygalan waterfall. It has the highest height (600 meters) among the waterfalls in Europe. It is located in the beautiful mountainous North Ossetia. Most likely, it is more like a stream that flows quickly in the summer and completely freezes in the winter, leaving an icy trail on the rocks.
In the Eastern Sayan Mountains (central part) there is Kinzelyuksky waterfall, gracefully flowing from a mountain lake, surrounded by high rocky ridges. It extends 328 meters in length. The spectacle is stunning - a narrow trickle of a stream makes its way from a huge bowl. The waterfall is located in a hard-to-reach place, it is almost impossible to get to it.
The question of where are the most beautiful waterfalls in Russia can be answered as follows - among the wild and dense forests of the country and among the magnificent mountain landscapes. The most picturesque places in the country are the surrounding areas Talnikovovogo waterfall. Huge streams of water flow down the rocky steep slopes. It especially captivates with its power and beauty in the spring, when the snow melts.
The city of Sochi has Agur waterfalls. Their surroundings are very picturesque and beautiful. Among the blocks of boulders overgrown with vines and moss, the Agura mountain river carries its waters in cascades. It flows through caves and gorges into a small azure lake.
A waterfall with an unusual name Ilya Muromets falls from Mount Demon, located on Iturup Island (Kuril Islands). Its height is 141 meters. The waters of the cascade fall almost directly into the sea. Its beauty can only be viewed from the sea side, because without special equipment and skill you cannot get to its top.
In conclusion, about one interesting thing
One curious fact should be noted in connection with the great Niagara. Over 10,000 years, the waterfall rose up the river approximately 11 kilometers. This movement continues now, and the speed is about 30 cm per year. Scientists believe that when this cliff reaches Lake Erie, which will happen in about 50 thousand years, Niagara will cease to exist.
Waterfalls are some of nature's most beautiful and impressive creations. The sight of water falling freely through the air and crashing on the ground in a cloud of splashing and thundering roar is truly one of the most beautiful experiences in life.
In addition, most of the waterfalls are located in pristine, breathtaking terrain, and beautiful rainbows can always be seen in the areas near the waterfalls.
Bird's eye view of Angel Falls The world's tallest Angel Falls was discovered by American pilot Jimmy Angel in 1935 while he was prospecting for gold in southeastern Venezuela. He was flying his small plane through a narrow canyon when he noticed an arrow of water rushing from a height of 979 meters from the tepui down to the mountainous tropical lowlands.
The Tugela Falls in South Africa are almost as high, with a total height of 933 meters. (Some sources indicate a height of 850 meters, while it is still the second highest). However, not many people have heard of Tugela Falls because it is not the tallest waterfall.
The tallest waterfall in North America, Yosemite Falls is the sixth tallest waterfall in the world.
Located in Yosemite National Park in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California, it presents a fantastic and breathtaking spectacle. In fact, other than Angel Falls, few people have ever heard of any other tallest waterfalls.
The fact is that most high waterfalls are located in remote mountains, far from human eyes. And besides, they are usually found on small rivers. After all, many rivers are born in the mountains, where they must flow for a long time, receiving more and more water from their tributaries, before they become really large. But what if a river like the Amazon, Nile, or Mississippi falls off a cliff? One such super waterfall is Khon Falls on the Mekong River in Laos.
Its height is only 22 meters, yet an average of 11,000 cubic meters of water flows through it per second. Read on.
Much more famous is the waterfall on the Nile River in Africa. Murchison Falls National Park is established in Uganda. But the largest waterfall in the world, consisting of a single stream, is another African giant, Victoria Falls. Situated on the mighty Zambezi River in Zimbabwe, this fearsome giant lets out a deafening roar as a wall of water approximately one mile wide crashes down to the ground from a height of almost 120 meters.
The story of the discovery of Victoria Falls is also known. The first European to see it was David Livingstone, who named it after Queen Victoria. Iguazu Falls The most spectacular waterfall creator in the world is the South American Parana River.
On one of its tributaries, on the border of Brazil and Argentina, is the Iguazu Falls. A series of rocky and wooded islands divide the river into approximately 275 streams that fall 280 feet from cliffs more than two miles wide.
Water flows averaging about 1,600 cubic meters per second increase to more than 11,000 during times of flood. In 1986, Iguazu Falls was declared a natural heritage of humanity by UNESCO. You've probably never even heard of the largest waterfall on Earth. Located downstream on the Parana River, Guaira Falls had 7.5 times the average flow of Iguazu.
Unfortunately, it was flooded by the construction of the Itaipu Dam in 1982. Niagara Falls North America's most famous waterfall is located near the middle of the Niagara River, which flows from Lake Erie to Lake Ontario.
On one side of the island in the river is the long, straight line of the American Falls; on the other is the graceful crescent of Horseshoe Falls. Both fall approximately 51 meters, together forming the famous Niagara Falls. Etienne Bruhl, the first European to see Lakes Ontario, Erie, Huron and Superior, may also have been the first to see Niagara Falls, in 1615. Of course, it was hidden deep in the wilderness 400 years ago.
Today, Niagara Falls is famous mainly because it is located near one of the world's largest population centers. Of course, this is an amazing sight, even if it cannot be compared with some of the giants in other countries. The American Falls fall from a height of 21-33 meters, while the Canadian Horseshoe Falls rush from a height of 51 meters into the Pond of the Maiden of the Mists. More than 4,300 cubic meters of water rushes through the falls every minute during peak flow. Niagara has gained particular fame as a place that attracts lovers. The falls also appeal to daredevils, scores of those who have found fame—or death—trying to survive one of the fastest river floats around, a drop of no more than five seconds from Niagara Falls.
The wooden barrel could even be considered the official vehicle of the falls. If you think that there are many huge waterfalls in the Himalayas and Andes, you are not alone, I thought the same thing. Yet, even though Asia is the largest continent, there is only one waterfall worthy of making the list. North America puts on quite a show with half a dozen superwaterfalls.
Yet tiny Norway surpasses Canada, the United States and Mexico combined in this part - as many as eight. With France and Switzerland having one super waterfall each, Europe easily beats the other continents with a total of ten waterfalls for the record books. Even tiny, arid Australia has three times as many superwaterfalls as Asia.
List of the 20 highest waterfalls in descending order:
Angel, Venezuela
Tugela, South Africa,
Utigård, Norway,
Monge, Norway,
Mutarazi, Zimbabwe
Yosemite Falls, USA,
Espelands, Norway,
Lower Mar valley waterfall, Norway,
Tissestrengene, Norway,
Kukenan, Venezuela
Sutherland, New Zealand,
Kjell, Norway,
Takkakau, Canada
Tape, USA,
Upper Mar Valley waterfall, Norway,
Gavarnier, France,
Vettis, Norway,
Hanlen, Canada
Tin Main, Australia,
Silver Strand, USA.
Guys! We continue to describe various objects found in nature. This object is formed using water and rocks.
Guess the riddle.
Water rushes from the cliff,
The jets fly with a roar.
Can you guess
What is this - ... (waterfall).
♦ Let’s say the word “waterfall” again. Slowly, syllable by syllable. What two simple words is this compound word formed from? Explain its meaning.
This word is formed from two words: “water” and “fall”. Therefore it means falling water.
♦ How is a waterfall formed?
There are many large and small rivers in our country. Mountain rivers rush wildly and swiftly, while lowland rivers flow smoothly and calmly. But it also happens that a lowland river becomes swift and stormy. This happens in cases where its channel is blocked by rocky rocks. Such places are called thresholds. They are very dangerous for shipping.
If the river bed suddenly breaks off in the form of a steep ledge, the water falling from it forms a waterfall.
♦ Where are waterfalls most common?
Right! In the mountains or on the border between flat and mountainous areas.
The world's highest waterfall is Angel Falls, located in South America on the Churun River. Its height reaches 1054 m.
The most famous waterfall in the world is Niagara Falls (on the Niagara River in North America). The height of the ledge of this waterfall is not so great - about 50 m, but the width is about a kilometer. Translated from Indian, Niagara Falls means “rumbling water”, because its noise spreads over a distance of up to 25 km!
The largest waterfall is located in Africa, on the Zambezi River.
In our country, the largest waterfall is named after the hero Ilya Muromets. It is located on one of the Kuril Islands. There, a mountain river makes a giant leap from a cliff into the sea. A mighty stream of water falls from a height of 141 m.
A smaller waterfall can be seen on the Suna River in Karelia. It is called Kivach, the water here falls down from a height of 11 m. Many waterfalls can be found in the Caucasus mountains.
♦ Have you ever seen a waterfall? Describe it.
Powerful waterfalls are an unforgettable sight. The water falls down with a deafening noise. It breaks into separate jets, and a cloud of water pearl splashes, foam and tiny water dust hovers around the waterfall.
On sunny days, a bright rainbow plays in the water droplets; sometimes you can see many such rainbows!
Falling from a cliff, the water rushes further and further at great speed.
Many tourists deliberately go on a long and difficult journey to admire the amazing spectacle of falling water.
Listen to the poem.
A waterfall rushes down the mountain,
He doesn't whisper, he doesn't flow,
The water flies with a roar:
Foam, stones, menacing view!
The waterfall rushes down -
Do not fill the jugs with water.
Clouds of pearl splashes,
From the bottom to the top,
Rainbows are burning in the drops!
What a miracle - a waterfall!
Answer the questions
1. What is a waterfall? How does it appear in nature?
2. What does the waterfall shown in the picture look like?
3. List the names of waterfalls that you know.
4. Where are waterfalls most common?
5. Why is Niagara Falls called “rumbling water”?
6. What are the names of the waterfalls found in Russia?
Attractive in their dangerous beauty, waterfalls have always attracted attention and excited human imagination.
It is especially fascinating to realize that over the largest and most powerful of them, such as Niagara, Victoria or Iguazu, man has absolutely no control. They show us the beauty and power of living nature.
Geographical object. The meaning of waterfalls
Powerful waterfalls are a virtually inexhaustible source of energy, which is widely used in the construction of hydroelectric power stations. Staying near waterfalls brings not only aesthetic pleasure, but also has a healing effect: water falling from a height forms water dust, in which negatively charged ions are formed under the influence of sunlight. Such dust, saturated with plant phytoncides, which are always in abundance near waterfalls, has a very great positive effect on the body.
However, there are also contacts with waterfalls that are unpleasant for humans. Waterfalls and rapids that cannot be controlled are a serious obstacle to navigation. Therefore, on many rivers where there are waterfalls, shipping canals are laid, allowing liners and ships to make a safe journey.
Characteristics and types of waterfalls
A waterfall is a stream of water falling from a steep cliff. Often large waterfalls consist of a chain of small rapids and cascades. One of the features of large waterfalls is their “movement”: the constant fall of water leads to the destruction of the ledge and the movement of the waterfall up the river.
It is noteworthy that almost all the powerful waterfalls in the world are located on the border of two or three states. And this is understandable, because a large waterfall is a natural insurmountable barrier that protects the territory of the state much more reliably than the most modern devices and weapons.
Types of waterfalls:
- cataract- a large waterfall in which the bulk of the water falls in a wide sheet from a relatively small height;
- water slide- a smooth, sloping waterfall without steep drops of water;
- cascade- a series of waterfalls located one after another.
Origin of waterfalls
The origin of waterfalls varies. For example, they may appear due to the fact that the river crosses a natural ledge that was formed before the appearance of water. In another case, the appearance of a waterfall may be a consequence of the activity of the river itself, eroding soft layers of rock.
In the mountains, a large number of waterfalls owe their appearance to tectonic activity. Also in the mountainous regions there are many waterfalls that arose in the hanging valleys due to an excess of water in the rivers that came down from the glaciers.
The largest waterfalls in the world
Since waterfalls vary in width, height and amount of water carried, there is no one that holds the title of largest. Let's list some of the most powerful and wide waterfalls that adorn our planet.
(Kon Waterfall)
So, the widest waterfall in the world is Con- located on the border of Cambodia and Laos on the Mekong River. The Kona drainage is more than 12.5 km wide. Actually, this is a cascading system of waterfalls located in an amazingly beautiful place. By the way, Kon is also considered one of the calmest among the famous waterfalls. Opened in 1920.
(Iguazu Falls)
The title of the most powerful waterfall in the world belongs to Iguazu, aka "Devil's Throat", on the border of Argentina and Brazil. Every minute, over the ledge of the waterfall, such an amount of water pours down that it is difficult to even imagine - 700 thousand m 3! Iguazu, with 275 cascades, is not only dangerous and powerful, it is also breathtakingly beautiful. The waterfall was discovered in 1541.
(Niagara Falls)
And, of course, we cannot fail to mention the most famous waterfalls in the world - NiagaraVictoria. Niagara Falls, located on the Niagara River on the border of the United States and Canada, is relatively low - its height is only 52 m. However, due to the huge amount of water discharged and its great length, Niagara Falls is considered the most powerful in North America.
(Victoria Falls)
Waterfall Victoria, named after the Queen of Great Britain, was known to the local tribes under the name "Thundering Smoke", which, of course, more closely matches the impression it gives. The width of the waterfall is 1800 m and the height is 128 m.
Tallest waterfall
(Angel Falls)
The tallest waterfall in the world is Angel, located on the Churun River in beautiful Venezuela. The total height of Angel is 1054 m, the height of the free fall of water is 979 m. In the language of local residents, its name is translated as “Waterfall of the deepest place.”
Angel was discovered in 1935 by Juan Angel, a Venezuelan pilot who first flew over the waterfall, from whom it got its name.
IT TURNS out that Niagara Falls is not the largest waterfall in the world!
Niagara Falls - just the most famous waterfall, thousands of tourists come to the USA every year to see it.
“Big” is usually called high or full-flowing (powerful) waterfalls.
So, tallest in the world is Angel Falls in South America in the country of Venezuela. The height of this waterfall is 1054 meters (the height of a 350-story building)!
The waterfall was named after the Venezuelan pilot Juan Angel who discovered it. The fact is that Angel Falls is located, perhaps, in the most inaccessible corner of the earth, and the approaches to the sheer wall of the waterfall are blocked by the jungle - a dense tropical forest, so only the pilot could see it first.
The wild forest here is entirely intertwined with vines and bushes, so they were able to determine the height of Angel Falls only fifteen years after its discovery - the expedition had to be well prepared. To get to the waterfall on the ground, surveyors had to cut a road using axes and machetes. The last 35 km were covered... in 20 days!
It is clear that even today tourists cannot get close to Angel Falls - it is still impossible. We can only believe the stories of scientists that “the waterfall is so high that powerful streams turn into the smallest water dust before they even reach the ground!”
By the way, throughout the year the tallest waterfall in the world looks different: during the rainy season, the waterfall is divided into many powerful jets, and in the dry heat it flows undignified...
The most powerful cascading waterfall in the world - Iguazu (height about 80 meters - 25 floors) is called one of the seven wonders of the world. A monstrous mass of water falls over the crest of the ledge of this waterfall - more than 700,000 tons of water per minute. That is, the waterfall throws down a billion tons of water per day! The roar of the powerful waterfall (in Spanish, Iguazu means “devil’s throat”) can be heard for many kilometers.
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