Waterfalls are one of the most spectacular natural phenomena on earth, capturing the attention and imagination of people from all over the world. There are numerous waterfalls around the globe, each with its unique features and beauty.
Some of them are known for their height, while others are famous for their width or flow rate. Let's take a closer look at some of the world's most stunning waterfalls.
Angel Falls, located in Venezuela's Canaima National Park, is the tallest waterfall in the world. With a height of 3,212 feet (about 979 meters), it is truly a magnificent sight to behold. The falls are named after Jimmy Angel, an American aviator who discovered them in 1933.
Because of its remote location in the rainforest, it's only possible to see the bottom of the waterfall by boat during the rainy season and from the air at other times.
Another remarkable waterfall is Inga Falls, located in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Although it is not the tallest waterfall in the world, it has the highest flow rate. The waterfall consists of many small cascades, and it descends 315 feet (96 meters) down the Congo River basin, stretching for 9 miles.
Inga Falls has a flow rate of 910,000 cubic feet per second (about 25,700 cubic meters per second), making it the waterfall with the highest flow rate in the world. In comparison, Niagara Falls, the largest waterfall in North America, has a flow rate of only 85,000 cubic feet per second (about 2,400 cubic meters per second).
Iguazu Falls is another breathtaking waterfall that stands out for its width. The falls are located on the border between the Brazilian state of Paraná and Argentina, and they are formed by the Iguazu River falling into the Paraná Gorge.
The word "Iguazu" comes from the Guarani language, which means "big water." The area has a tropical climate and lush vegetation, making it a beautiful destination for nature lovers. In 1984, Iguazu Falls has declared a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site.
Plitvice Falls, located in Plitvice National Park in Croatia, is an example of nature's remarkable beauty. In this national park, 92 waterfalls cascade down to form a cluster of 16 lakes, creating an impressive display of natural beauty.
The falls are not known for their grandeur or their drop, but rather for their fairy-tale beauty that draws visitors to the park.
Niagara Falls is one of the most well-known waterfalls in the world, and it consists of three separate waterfalls: Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls. Located primarily on the Canadian side, Horseshoe Falls is the most powerful of the three falls, with a water flow of approximately 22,700 cubic meters per second during daylight hours.
The falls attract millions of visitors each year, making it one of the most popular tourist destinations in North America.
While many waterfalls are visible above ground, some of the most spectacular waterfalls are hidden below the earth's surface. One of the largest waterfalls open to visitors is La Grotte aux Fees in Switzerland, which stands at 253 feet (about 77 meters).
The waterfall was discovered in a cave that was once used as a sheep barn during Roman times. The cave is now open to visitors who can marvel at the beauty of the waterfall in person.
Waterfalls are one of nature's most magnificent wonders, offering a spectacular display of natural beauty.
