The 4 most spectacular waterfalls in the world
Thu, May 8, 2008
Post filled in: Domestic Science, Environmental Issues, Other
Photo by Wolfgang Staudt
In the previous post of this waterfall series, I wrote a list of the 5 tallest waterfalls in the world. I bet some of you were surprised not to hear more famous waterfalls or to see that the ‘big boys’ are not that spectacular - not the massive amount of water you’d probably expect. So, this list just had to come. Of course this is a bit subjective, and perhaps this could have more parts. It all depends on you, so if you’re interested, just say so or leave a comment or something. So in no specific order, here they are:
Photo by Scott Kinmartin
Niagara falls is perhaps the most known attraction of this type in the whole world. Situated on the Niagara river, this massive waterfall represents the border eparating the Canadian province of Ontario and the U.S. state of New York. It’s divided into two parts, the Horseshoe Falls and the American Falls; The Horseshoe Falls drop about 173 feet (53 m) while the American Falls drop about 70 feet (21 m) before reaching a jumble of fallen rocks.
Horshoe falls. Photo by hole new world
The name “Niagara” comes from “Onguiaahra”, which means “Thunder of Waters”. Kinda easy to figure out why they named it this way.
Photo by wikipedia
Yosemite falls is definitely special, and is has a certain charm that the other huge waterfalls don’t have. It is the highest measured waterfall in North America. Located in Yosemite National Park in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California, it is a major attraction in the park. The total 2425-foot (739 m) distance from the top of the upper falls to the base of the lower falls makes it go in the top 10 tallest (the order is not quite clear).
Photo by Arnold Pouteau
The Victoria falls are situated in southern Africa on the Zambezi River. According to some measurements it is the largest waterfall in the world; also, the shape and diversity are just fantastic. The wildlife is also very diversified and easy to spot.
Photo by RemyOmar
Meaning the Smoke that Thunders, it’s based on a width of 1.7 kilometres (1 mi) and height of 108 meters (360 ft), forming the largest sheet of falling water in the world.
Photo by Javier Etcheverry
Iguazu Falls, Iguassu Falls, or Iguaçu Falls may just be the most spectacular and impressive waterfall in the world. It’s located on the border of the Brazilian state of Paraná and the Argentine province of Misiones on the River Iguazu. There are numerous legends that surround it. One is that a god planned to marry a beautiful aborigine named Naipí, who fled with her mortal lover Tarobá in a canoe. Enraged by this, the god split the river creating the waterfalls, condemning the lovers to an eternal fall.
Photo by Walt
In guarani language, the term “Iguazú” means “great waters”. It was discovered in 1541 by Alvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca and established in 1984 as Natural World Heritage Site by UNESCO. There are more than 270 falls in an area where cliffs and islets are scattered in a half moon. If you go to South America this is clearly a place that’s worth going to.
Photo by routavelo
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Andrei is no scientist, but from an early age, he has been fascinated by science; that's why he went to college, and signed up for Geophysics. Feeling that there's a huge gap between science and average people, he rallied TP, started ZME Science, and gave it a green twist too.
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May 8th, 2008 at 11:50 pm
Can’t believe there’s no mention of Angel Falls in Venezuela, highest in the world.
May 9th, 2008 at 8:25 am
Don’t forget about Gullfoss in Iceland! The waterfall has two layers, and is unbelievable.
http://flickr.com/photos/jldesmarais/39645248/in/set-915604/
May 9th, 2008 at 9:56 am
I’d like to see Niagara falls someday.
May 9th, 2008 at 11:46 am
I agree! They should be in first place
May 15th, 2008 at 5:33 am
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May 15th, 2008 at 3:33 pm
You need a lot of more waterfalls. Here is the best in Norway. Vettisfossen. http://mapx.map.vgd.gov.lv/geo3/Ukr/_Izmantotie%20Atteli/Arzemes/Augstie/Vettisfossen.jpg
May 15th, 2008 at 3:34 pm
You need a whole lot of more waterfalls. Here is the best in Norway. Vettisfossen. http://mapx.map.vgd.gov.lv/geo3/Ukr/_Izmantotie%20Atteli/Arzemes/Augstie/Vettisfossen.jpg
May 15th, 2008 at 3:35 pm
You need a whole lot of more waterfalls. Here is the best in Norway. Vettisfossen.
December 9th, 2008 at 7:14 pm
Angel Falls should be on this list. Not only is it the tallest fall, the story of the adventure that took place to give it its name is fascinating!!! And you can bathe in a pool below the falls…
December 10th, 2008 at 1:14 am
These are certainly breathtaking! But I do have to say that some of the waterfalls here in Hawaii have been taking my breath away since I was a wee child! (I wish I had links right this instant. Perhaps later.)
January 12th, 2009 at 4:20 pm
they are all stunning and beautiful, but i feel that angel falls must be up at the top, just for its height alone, would also like to see the iceland falls.
April 27th, 2009 at 4:56 pm
i can not believe the Kaieteur Falls is not listed there. It is in Guyana, South America. It is said to be the world’s largest one drop waterfall ever and i just imagine why you would not want to add it to the list, it is breathtaking.
April 28th, 2009 at 11:45 am
Honestly, I didn’t know about it - it really is breathtaking; but I’ll publish a post with more waterfalls starting with Kaieteur Falls so stay tuned
June 17th, 2009 at 3:12 pm
How about Plitvicka Jezera National Park waterfalls in Croatia… I think those are the most spectacular I’ve seen. Would love to go there one day…
http://www.digitaljournal.com/img/1/4/9/3/i/3/8/6/p-large/plitvickaJezera.jpg