The widest waterfall in the world - Victoria Falls - is 1708 meters wide (but only 108 meters high). It is located in southern Africa, on the Zambezi River between the countries Zambia and Zimbabwe. Victoria Falls is one of the largest in the world. In the language of local African tribes, her name means "rumbling smoke".
Victoria Falls is one of the seven natural wonders of the world. David Livingston, a Scottish explorer, is believed to have been the first European to discover the waterfall. And he named it after Queen Victoria.
During the rainy season, with every minute, more than 19 million cubic meters of water falls to the bottom, sinking into the Zambezi gorge. The result of spraying, or steam, can sometimes be seen up to 25 miles away.
By the end of 2000, almost 800 thousand people a year had the opportunity to visit the falls, and in the next twenty years the number will increase to two million a year.
Unlike an amusement park, Victoria Falls Park receives more visitors from Zimbabwe and Zambia than foreign tourists, as it can be reached by bus and train and is therefore relatively inexpensive.
Photo of the widest waterfall in the world
Video of the widest waterfall in the world
Among all the wonders given to man by nature, perhaps the most popular are waterfalls. Their beauty fascinates tourists, and their power is admirable. Below is a list of the ten fastest, most powerful waterfalls in the world, including those destroyed by man.
Victoria is a waterfall on the Zambezi River, on the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia. It is considered one of the largest geographical attractions in Africa. Discovered in 1855 by Scottish missionary and explorer David Livingstone. The waterfall is approximately 1,800 meters wide and 128 meters high. Average water consumption is 1,088 m³ / s.
Iguazu is a cascade of waterfalls located on the Iguazu River on the border of the Brazilian state of Parana (in the southern region of Brazil) and the Argentine province of Misiones. It was discovered for Europeans in 1541 by the Spanish conquistador Don Alvaro Nunez Cabeza de Vaca, who arrived in the American jungle in search of gold. Interestingly, about once every forty years during a drought, Iguazu dries up completely. It is one of the most visited tourist sites in South America. More than 700,000 tourists taste it annually. Depending on the state of the water in the river, the number of waterfalls ranges from 150 to 300, and their height ranges from 40 to 82 m.The average water consumption is about 1,500 m³ / s, and in different seasons it ranges from 500 to 6,500 m³ / s.
Urubupunga is a waterfall on the Parana River on the border of the states of São Paulo and Mato Grosso do Sul in Brazil. It had a width of 2,012 meters, a height of 13 m (in a cascade of two rapids), the water consumption was 2,747 cubic meters per second... Unfortunately, it was flooded due to the rise in the level of the river as a result of the construction of the Sousa Diaz hydroelectric power station, which was at one time the largest hydroelectric power plant in Brazil.
Paulo Afonso
Paulo Afonso is a series of rapids and three waterfalls in northeastern Brazil, on the São Francisco River. It has a height of 84 m and an average width of 18 m. Although the water here no longer falls freely from a great height, since the hydroelectric power station and the dam have blocked the river, it can be seen again during floods when the additional drain of the dam is opened. Prior to that, the waterfall on average missed about 3,000 m³ of water per second, the maximum flow rate was 14,158 m³ / s.
Niagara Falls is a group of large waterfalls on the Niagara River in eastern North America, on the border between the United States and Canada. It is famous for its beauty. Its maximum height is 53 m, width - 790 m (Horseshoe Falls). In terms of the volume of water passing through it, it is the most powerful in North America: more 3 160 tons of water per second, during the periods of the greatest activity 5 720 m³ / s. was first discovered to Europeans by the Belgian missionary and traveler Louis Henpen in 1677.
Para is a waterfall located on the Caura River in South America, in the state of Bolivar, in the tropical, inaccessible forests of Venezuela. The water here falls in seven cascades from a height of 64 meters (according to other sources - 60 m). The width of the waterfall is 5,608 m, it drops every second 3,540 m³ water, during the flood period water consumption can reach 11 327 m³ / s.
Celile is a ruined waterfall on the Columbia River in North America, on the border of the states of Oregon and Washington (USA). Celile Falls, which existed until 1957 on the lower Columbia River, was a permanent fishing spot for local tribes until the 79-meter Dallas Dam was built. With an insignificant height, only about 6 meters, it was one of the fastest waterfalls that ever existed on Earth, with an average annual water flow 5 366 m³ / s, during the flood the flow rate could reach 11 300 m³ / s.
Khon is a waterfall in Southeast Asia on the Mekong River, in the extreme south of Laos. The total height of water fall here is 21 meters, the length of the cascades is 9.7 km. The waterfall consists of several thousand islands and countless waterways and channels. Its average width is 10 783 m, the maximum width is 12 954 m. According to this indicator, it is considered the widest in the world. He resets every second on average 11 610 m³ water, and during the period of maximum water level in the river, the discharge can reach 49,554 m³ / s. It was discovered in 1920 by the researcher E. Khohan.
Guaira is a once-existing waterfall on the Parana River on the border of Brazil and Paraguay, west of the Brazilian city of Guaira. It included 18 cascades with a total height of 114 m. The waterfall was one of the largest in the world in terms of water consumption - 13 309 m³ / s... The falling water created a deafening noise that could be heard at a distance of 30 km. It was also considered an important tourist destination for many years, but ceased to exist in 1982 when it was blown up to inundate the Itaipu Dam reservoir. It is interesting that before his final "death" he managed to take revenge on humanity and took with him 82 tourists who expressed a desire to say goodbye to him. Guaira tore off the suspension bridge they were standing on and pulled them into the depths of water.
Stanley or Boyoma Falls is a waterfall in Central Africa, on the Lualaba River, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is a series of seven waterfalls (rapids), with a total height of 61 m, a width of 1,372 m, and a length of up to 100 km. On average, every second he misses 16 990 m³ water, and during the flood period, water consumption can reach 51,933 m³ / s. It was named after the discoverer, famous British journalist and distinguished traveler and explorer of Africa, Henry Morton Stanley.
Eco-tourism and everything related to it is experiencing an incredible rise. This is due to the development of infrastructure and changing priorities among people. Now it is not so difficult to get to almost anywhere in the world, and the usual entertainments no longer seem so interesting to travelers. Among natural attractions, waterfalls are one of the first places in popularity.
They are beautiful in themselves, and a unique ecosystem often develops around them, pleasing to the eye and giving a lot of impressions. Waterfalls vary in size, are scattered all over the world, and many legends are associated with them, both with a factual basis and absolutely fantastic. Seeing at least a few is a good vacation goal.
The largest and most beautiful waterfalls in the world
1. Iguazu
Not one waterfall, but a whole complex. Most of its parts have separate names. Located on the border of Brazil and Argentina. They are located on the river of the same name and are included in the national parks of both countries. The maximum height is 82 meters, the width is 2,700 meters. The waterfalls are separated by islands. Tourism in the surrounding area is flourishing. Guests are offered a shuttle service, souvenirs and waterproof clothing.
2. Kaieteur
Located in Guyana on the Potaro River. It is not so far from here to the border with Venezuela. Height - 226 meters, width varies from 90 to 105 meters. Belonging to a national park made it possible to preserve the waterfall almost intact. The location also played an important role in this: it is difficult to get to it. Near the foot of the waterfall it is constantly cloudy, and there are endless waves on the water.
3. Victoria
Located on the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia. Located on the Zambezi River. Height - 120 meters, width - about 1800 meters. It is unique in the ratio of these two indicators. The name was given in honor of the Queen of England. It is part of two national parks. Tourists come to both admire the views and raft along the numerous rapids, which are also suitable for beginner rafters.
4. Angel
Located in Venezuela. The approximate height is 979 meters, which makes it a world record holder. Width - 107 meters. Located in a national park surrounded by tropical forests. Water falls from the top of Auyan-Tepui into the Kerep River. Because the height of the fall is so impressive, the water below splits into small particles and forms a fog. You can get here by plane or by river. There are special tours.
5. Gokta
Located in Peru. Its height is 771 meters. It has an extremely small pool, so the volume of water when falling fluctuates depending on the amount of precipitation and the season. Surrounded by wet jungle. Rare species of birds and animals live here, some on the verge of extinction. The waterfall can only be visited with a local guide, you have to pay for it. There are many sugar cane plantations nearby.
6. Virginia
Located in Canada in a national park. It is part of the South Nahanni River Basin. The height of the mountain peak on which the waterfall is located is about 500 meters. The height of the fall of the water is 96 meters. The width fluctuates around 260 meters. The rainbow is a frequent occurrence here, it is formed from the so-called "water dust". There are many viewing platforms nearby, there are thermal springs.
7. Hanging Glacier Falls
Located in Chile. There are about two thousand glaciers of different sizes in the area. On one of them - the only one hanging in the world - the waterfall is located. The name is unofficial. Water falls down after melting. The intensity depends on the season. The height is about 550 meters. Refers to the territory of the national park. It's almost impossible to get close, but a beautiful view of the waterfall opens up from the nearby lake.
8. San Rafael
Located in Ecuador on the Quihos River. Massive rocks, densely covered with greenery, form something like a relief depression, from where the water falls down. The cascade is double, so the height is divided into two sectors: 50 and 100 meters, respectively. The width is about 14 meters. There is a thick fog at the foot. It also raises a lot of splashes and is very noisy. It is part of the national park, there is an observation deck.
9. Niagara Falls
A complex of waterfalls in the United States and Canada. Each of the waterfalls has its own name. The total height is approximately 53 meters and the width is 792 meters. Used to generate energy. Tourism is developed to the maximum. There are all kinds of excursions, various souvenirs. Observation platforms are made both close and at a sufficient distance to provide guests with the opportunity to see the entire panorama.
10. Jog
It is located in India on the Sharavati River. It has several names associated with both origin and pronunciation: Gersoppa, Yogi and others. Height - 255 meters. Such an impressive size is explained by belonging to the Western Ghats mountain system. Consists of four stages. It is used to generate electricity, generating power in the range of 891 MW.
11. Helmcken Falls
Located in the Canadian Provincial Park. Height - 42 meters. The wall behind the waterfall partially freezes over for the winter. Icicles of various sizes and some semblance of a glacier appear here. Climbers in especially cold periods come here for ascents. There are several viewing platforms nearby, picnic areas and other types of outdoor recreation.
12. Takakkau
Located in Canada in a national park. The name is derived from the Aboriginal language and is translated as an expression of delight. The height from the top to the bottom is more than 380 meters. The intensity of the fall of water is different and varies depending on the season. The waterfall feeds a lake located on a glacier and flows into the Yoho River. A rainbow can often be seen at the base on fine days.
13. Dettifoss
It is located in Iceland on the Jökülsau-au-Fjödlum River. Part of the national park. Height - about 44 meters, width - about 100 meters. Its capacity exceeds that of other European indicators. Not a typical tourist destination, but attracts travelers familiar with the topic. There are other waterfalls within a couple of kilometers.
14. Odegaard Falls
Located in Canada. It flows smoothly from the rocky terrain into the valley. At the same time, the height remains impressive from the top to the bottom. The waterfall has many steps and rapids. The area around is perfect for hiking, there are prepared "islands" for tourist camps. It will take a long time to get there by car. Transport will not go everywhere - in the end you will have to walk.
15. Calandula
Located in Angola on the Lucala River. Height - more than 105 meters, width - 400 meters. Heterogeneous: there are many watersheds in the form of boulders, rocks and other things. The drive to the waterfall is long, although the roads are good. This explains the low popularity of the attraction. The area is home to dense mixed forests. At the bottom, landslides occur due to sediment eroding large stones.
16. Gullfoss
Located in Iceland on the Hvitau River. The name translates as "golden waterfall". Height - 32 meters. The volume of water varies with the season, increasing in the summer. There are two steps, and they are located at an angle of ninety degrees to each other. Gullfoss was on the brink of destruction due to attempts to build a power plant here. Now there is a popular tourist route.
17. Sutherland
Located in New Zealand, the highest in Oceania - 580 meters from top to bottom. The waterfall is not wide, especially when viewed from a distance and correlated with the height. It has several steps, the largest is located almost in the center. The place is very picturesque: from a height you can see the reservoir, from which the waterfall is formed, splashes rise below. The rocks are heterogeneous covered with greenery.
18. Langfossen
Located in Norway on the Vaula River. Height - 612 meters, width - 76 meters. Its base fits directly onto a modern track. For this reason, the waterfall is often visited: someone on purpose, as it is easy to get there, someone passing through, even initially not knowing about this attraction. Langfossen consists of flowing cascades that distinguish most of its waterfalls. The power of the stream is unchanged.
19. Gaganachukki Falls
Located in India. In fact, there is a lot of confusion associated with this waterfall. Sometimes it is mentioned as a separate natural segment, and sometimes as part of a complex. It is located in close proximity to the Barachukki waterfall and, according to some sources, is a component of Shivanasamudra. It has numerous rapids. The total height is within 90 meters. A power plant has been built here.
20. Mardalsfossen
Located in Norway. The name is given in honor of the valley where it is located. Height - in the range from 645 to 705 meters (different measurement methods due to the heterogeneity of the waterfall). Width - 24 meters. There are several ledges, and two large, visible to the naked eye even from a distance, they break the waterfall into parts. A power plant has been built nearby. Disputes about the expediency of its work are still ongoing.
21. Wettisfossen
Located in Norway in the Utla river valley. The height of the free fall of water is about 275 meters, the width is about 23 meters. At the bottom, the power of the jet is reduced due to the dispersion of water, which makes the waterfall quite quiet. It does not freeze for the winter, the speed and strength of the flow also do not undergo any special changes. Unlike other large waterfalls in the country, Wettisfossen is not used for energy.
22. Ruacana
Located in Namibia on the Kunene River. Located almost on the border with Angola. Height - 124 meters, width - 695 meters. Since the rainy season is followed by the dry season in this area, the level and thickness of the water in the falls are very variable. There is also a hydroelectric power station, which not only provides the region with energy, but also stores part of the water for irrigation and sanitary needs.
23. Augrabis
Located in South Africa on the Orange River. The height is about 146 meters. Located in the gorge. It is part of the national park, and it was formed precisely to preserve the waterfall and its environs. Several species of rare animals live here, including black rhinoceroses, which were re-settled here artificially. There are several observation decks and comfortable climbs.
24. Hafragilsfoss
Located in Iceland on the Jökülsau-au-Fjödlum River. It is the "neighbor" of Dettifoss. Part of the national park. Height - about 27 meters, width - varies within 91 meters. In terms of power, it is inferior to other waterfalls in the area, but it has the best panoramic view. Thanks to the built observation deck, tourists can see well not only Hafragilsfoss, but also the surrounding area.
25.Søtefossen
Located in Norway on the Kinso River. Above - bare rocks with ice, below - dense forests with moss-covered soil. The maximum height is within 246 meters. The waterfall is multi-stage, has a pronounced division into segments. The nature around is included in a specially protected area. It is not easy for tourists to get there, but the view is worth it. Human intervention is minimal.
26. Hunlen Falls
Located in Canada. The maximum height to the foot is 365 meters. Continuous water drop less - 260 meters. You can get to this natural attraction by plane - about 20 minutes from the nearest settlement. On foot - about half an hour from the road to the observation deck. There are many scenic spots nearby, including Lonely Lake.
27. Gokak
Located in India. The height of the fall of the water is 50 meters, the width is about 177 meters. The water level changes with the season. Gokak feeds the hydroelectric power plant and supplies energy to the entire district. A dense fog constantly lies at the foot, which is formed due to drops of moisture breaking into fractions. The waterfall can be observed from several equipped points. It's always very noisy there.
28. Twin Falls
Located in Canada. The height is about 180 meters, but the height of the continuous fall of water is less. Width varies from 18 to 30 meters. There is a railway line not far from the foot. There are not so many convenient points for a panoramic view of Twin, so tourists cannot fully enjoy the local beauty. Part of the national park.
29. Basaseachi
Located in Mexico on the river of the same name. The second largest waterfall in the country. The height is about 246 meters. Part of the national park. The fall of the water is absolutely vertical: from the mountain to the valley. The stream is narrow, but widens near the ground, forming foam and numerous splashes. The cliffs of the canyon are covered with vegetation only at the top and at the foot.
30. Tjørnadalsfossen
It is located in Norway near the Sandvinvatnet Lake. The total height is about 500 meters, the width is about 60 meters. For the most part, the water does not drain sharply, there are many rapids and steps of different sizes. The slopes are partially covered with vegetation, but it is not uniform. You can approach the very base of Tjørndalsfossen, as there is a road and numerous hiking trails nearby.
31. Nevada
It is located in the United States and is part of the Yosemite National Park - one of the most popular in the country. Water falls from a height of 181 meters. A tourist route has been laid that allows you to get acquainted with the waterfall in detail. Its length is slightly less than four and a half kilometers. Parking spaces and several observation platforms have also been equipped.
32. Lower Yellowstone Falls
It is located on the territory of the most popular national park of the same name in the United States. There are many waterfalls here, but this one stands out from the general background. Water falls down in a powerful stream directly from the canyon from a height of 94 meters. There is fog at the foot. The width is modest, especially when compared to Niagara. Observation platforms are equipped from different sides, some are close, others provide an opportunity to admire panoramic views.
33. Shoshone
Located in the USA on the Snake River. The height is 65 meters, the width is non-uniform - about 300 meters. Here, numerous rapids and steps divide the waterfall into separate factions. This makes the picture even more picturesque, but reduces its integrity. The season affects the flow rate and water level. The rainbow constantly appears at the foot on sunny days.
34. Barron Falls
Located in Australia on the river of the same name. Height - 256 meters. The stream is not uniform, water flows down the gorge in separate streams. Especially a lot of water during the rainy season. If you look from a specially equipped platform, the picture looks almost frightening. Foamy, slightly beige-brown streams rush down, and fog envelops the green rocks on the sides.
35. Snoqualmie
Located in the United States on the river of the same name, between two mountains. Height - 82 meters. The natural landmark is popular with tourists; about one and a half million people visit it annually. Even a working power plant is a historical asset of the state. It is convenient to get there, there is a parking lot, trails, there are several equidistant observation platforms.
36. Wöhringsfossen
Located in Norway on the Børeiu River. The height is 182 meters, but the water falls freely from 145 meters. The flow is not too intense, influenced by seasonality and the nearby power plant, among other things. At the same time, there are restrictions on energy production and water use in order to prevent negative impact on the environment and not to damage the local microclimate.
37. Alexandra Falls
Located in Canada on the Hay River. There are many other natural beauties nearby, hiking trails have been laid, two observation platforms are equipped from different sides. The stream is powerful and wide. The height is about 32 meters. A highway has been built within a few kilometers. In the lower reaches there are many well-passable rapids that attract kayakers: from beginners to pros.
38. Krimmler
Located in Austria. Also called - Krimml. In fact, this is not one waterfall, but a cascade. They are located on the river with a similar name - Krimler-Ahe. The total height is within 380 meters. The course changes depending on the season, and significantly. The same thing happens with the water level. In some places the stream is violent and falls almost vertically, in others it is weaker and flows down the rapids and ledges smoothly.
39. Yosemite Falls
It is located in the United States on the territory of the national park of the same name - the most popular and most visited in the country. Height - 739 meters. It is noteworthy that a beautiful view opens up both from the lowlands, directly from the road, and from the observation platforms above. The rock from which the water falls is almost completely sheer. The noise from the waterfall spreads throughout the valley: this is not only because of its power, but also because of its special acoustics.
40. Skogafoss
Located in Iceland on the Skogau River. Height - 60 meters, width - 25 meters. Previously, it came directly to the coastline, now the sea has receded, making the waterfall very convenient for viewing. Popular with tourists, there are viewing platforms, souvenirs, convenient approaches, and parking lots in the district. At the foot you can see a rainbow, sometimes double.
41. Waterfalls of Plitvitskie lakes
They are located in Croatia in a national park. The total number of waterfalls is about thirty. The numbers are inaccurate due to the difference in approaches to assessment: some researchers combine waterfalls into cascades, while others name them separately. Among the waterfalls one can distinguish: Batinovachki, Galovachki, Velike cascade, as well as Sastavtsi - the most beautiful one, whose height is 72 meters.
42. Huangoshu
Located in China in the mountainous province of Guizhou. Since there are many mountains and bodies of water, waterfalls are also not uncommon. Huangoshu stands out among its neighbors. Its height is 78 meters, width is about 101 meters. The flow is not uniform, there are several separate channels separated by small rocky ledges. The waterfall can be viewed from several angles, including from a cave hidden behind a water wall.
43. Waterfalls of the Blue Nile (Tis-Ysat)
They are located in Ethiopia on the river of the same name. Their height and width are difficult to measure. The top point is about 45 meters from the foot, and the individual streams form a line within 400 meters. Nearby there is a stone bridge, which was built in the 17th century by the Portuguese. The cascade of waterfalls is surrounded by picturesque mountains and a green valley.
44. Detian
Located in China and Vietnam. During floods, the waterfall looks like a single whole, in the rest of the period - the watershed line is clearly visible. In the lower reaches there is a lake that attracts tourists no less than Detian. Nearby you can also explore caves, a forest of water rocks and other natural attractions. Excursions here are popular routes for visitors.
45. Dunns River
Located in Jamaica in a natural park. The total height is 180 meters. Moreover, the current here is not stormy, there are many rapids and steps. The water flows directly into the Caribbean Sea. Tourists hike right along the waterfall. Park staff and hired guides help you navigate convenient routes. At the foot, you can swim or spend time in the shade of abundant vegetation.
46. Rhine Falls
Located in Switzerland on the river of the same name. Height - 23 meters, width - 150 meters. Refers to the type of lowland waterfalls. The strength of the flow in winter and summer is significantly different. You can get to the observation decks for a fee, it is different, depending on the convenience and viewing angle. There are historical and architectural landmarks nearby, which add to the experience of the trip.
47. Ouzud
Located in Morocco in the High Atlas Mountains. The height is about 110 meters. The water flow is heterogeneous and stretched, and part of the cascade is located at an angle of ninety degrees to the main flow. At sunset, monkeys come to the waterfall. Watermills were built at the top, which are still functioning. You can get to Ouzud through olive tree plantations.
48. Multnomah
Located in the USA in the Columbia River Canyon. Divided into two sections. Since the width of the threshold allows, a bridge is built across it. The total height is 189 meters. The waterfall is fed from several sources, including underground and melted snow. Therefore, the water level is practically unchanged from season to season. However, Maltoma can partially freeze.
49. Montmorency
Located in Canada. For Quebec and the entire country, it is a popular tourist route. For this reason, the infrastructure here is perfectly developed to the smallest detail. Detailed climbing routes have been developed, but it is rather difficult. There are special bridges and tiled crossings. The total height is 84 meters. The stream of water is swift, foaming with the speed of the current and falling, a rainbow and fog are formed below.
50. Marmore (Marble)
Located in Italy. The total height of the three tiers is 165 meters. The name comes from the rocks, which in places are very similar to marble. Water flows down in cascades. Since the slopes are covered with dense vegetation for part of the year, moreover, diverse, both in shape and in color, the picture gets picturesque. It is easy to get here, there are quite a lot of observation platforms, both natural and built.
A waterfall is a river, usually originating in the mountains. On the way of the water flow, there are sometimes cliffs and rapids, and then the water falls vertically downward, with a roar and a lot of splashes. The higher the height of the cliffs and the volume of falling water, the more spectacular and fascinating this natural phenomenon looks. The number of waterfalls on Earth has not been accurately calculated, it is known that there are more large waterfalls known to researchers and tourists. But in any mountain system there are thousands of them, small and large, and today scientists still have the chance to make an extraordinary discovery.
Most Powerful: How Brazil and Argentina Divided It
Brazil and Argentina have been competing for the right to possess the greatest creation of nature since the late 1980s, because the most powerful waterfall in the world is located in two countries at the same time. National Wonder Iguazu is the oldest natural monument, the largest complex of waterfalls, consisting of 275 streams. The height of the fall of water varies from 60 to 80 meters (this is a relatively low height), the length reaches 3000 meters.
Two national parks began to grow towards the waterfall from two sides - Argentine (opening took place in 1909) and Brazilian (opening - 1939).
Today Iguazu is the most visited site by tourists. It officially ceased to be "divided" in 1928, having laid the border between the countries right in the middle of it. In 1986, the UNESCO Foundation took Iguazu under its protection, approving the status of a nature conservation object for the complex.
Iguazu - as ancient as the creation of the world
The Europeans discovered Iguazu in 1541 as a result of their exploration of the conquered Indian lands and the search for the mythical country of El Dorado. The indigenous people - the Guarani Indians - called this place innocently: I-guasu (Big Water). The conquistadors, however, considered the name insufficiently noble and urgently began to rename the cascades in their own way. So Iguazu became the Saint Mary of the Mother of God Leap.
In fact, the waterfall demonstrates absolute contempt for any name, because the history of the entire human civilization is negligible in comparison with it. Studies have shown that it is approximately 140 million years old. It arose at the confluence of the Iguazu River with the Parana River, but over time, the basalt sediments - the walls of the waterfall - increased in volume, as a result of which the waterfall "crawled" from the place of origin by 1-2 meters per year. As a result, today the Iguazu complex is located 28 km from Parana.
It is impossible to fully view the Iguazu complex from one point - the streams are interspersed with sharp rocks and fragments of the jungle. For tourists, a 2-kilometer route was laid from rock to rock, its points are connected by rock-islands sticking out of the water.
There are many legends about the origin of the waterfall, boiling down to one version: God fell in love with the mortal, but she refused him. The enraged deity took revenge on the girl, and doomed her to an eternal fall in a canoe from a waterfall.
Saint Mary with the Devil's Throat: object description
The largest object in the waterfall complex and the most powerful waterfall in the world is a horseshoe-shaped cliff called the Devil's Throat. This is where the highest power of the falling water is recorded. The throat is over 150 meters wide and over 700 meters long; in the middle of the stream is the border between Brazil and Argentina. Most of the waterfalls from the complex are located in Argentina, but the most stunning view of the Devil's Throat opens from Brazil. So the choice of a national park to visit becomes a real dilemma for tourists.
Individual waterfalls of the complex (there are 275 of them) are stretched out on a plane of 3000 meters. Of this distance, more than 900 meters falls on land - rocks sticking out of the water.
The most famous of the secondary falls of the Iguazu complex:
- "Two sisters",
- "Adam and Eve"
- "Three Musketeers",
- "Salto-Escondido" ("hidden fall"),
- "Salto Floriano" ("flower fall"),
- "San Martin" ("Saint Martin"),
- Ramirez
Iguazu power controversy
Iguazu is higher than Niagara, but much lower than Victoria, moreover, it is unstable: it is known about the fact that Iguazu completely dried up in 1978 due to little rainfall.
Disputes about the importance of one criterion over another are reflected in the following table, where Iguazu, alas, is not in the first place:
| Name | Country | Average water consumption (meter per second) |
| Boyoma (Livingstone Falls) | Kinshasa | 17 000* |
| Khon | Laos / Cambodia | 11 610 |
| Ngaliema | Congo | 6 550 |
| Niagara | USA / Canada | 5 936 |
| Grande | Argentina | 4 500 |
| Paulo Afonso | Brazil | 2 800 |
| Urubupunga | Brazil | 2 750 |
| Iguazu | Argentina / Brazil | 1 700 |
| Maribondu | Brazil | 1 500 |
| Kabalega | Uganda | 1 200 |
| Victoria | Zimbabwe | 1 100 |
| Churchill | Canada | 1 000 |
When a river bed meets a sharp drop in height on its way, the flow does not stop, but begins to fall vertically, forming a waterfall. This natural phenomenon amazes the imagination with its beauty and picturesqueness, and often its grandeur. In this article we will tell you about the most wonderful waterfalls on the planet. We will focus not only on the height of the flow, but also on its power.
Kerepakupai-meru
Venezuela, a state in the northern part of South America, has the largest waterfall in the world. Its streams fall from a height of 979 meters. This natural landmark is nestled in the rainforest of the Canaima National Park in Bolivar State.
Kerepakupai-meru is the new name given to the waterfall by the President of Venezuela in 2009. Before that, he was called Angel - in honor of the pilot who accidentally discovered this miracle of nature in 1933. Local residents and tourists still use the old name.
The largest waterfall not only in South America, but in the whole world originates from the highest point of the table mountain Auyan-Tepui, which means "Devil's Mountain", and flows into the waters of the Kerep River.
The area where Angel Falls is located is wild and inaccessible. The easiest way to get to these regions is by air or by river, ascent on foot takes 10 or more days. An excursion to Angel costs about US $ 300, but despite the high cost, tourists from all over the world tend to see the largest waterfall in the world.
Tugela
It is the largest waterfall in Africa and the second highest in the world. It descends in a five-step cascade from the eastern cliff of the Drakensberg Mountains, located in Natal National Park, South Africa. Its highest point is 948 meters above the ground, and the foot is the source of the river of the same name.
Travelers can approach the waterfall from two sides along specially equipped trails. The largest waterfall in Africa costs only $ 50 to visit. But for this money, tourists get real pleasure, admiring the narrow ribbon of rumbling water in the rays of the setting sun.
Three sisters
Ranked third in the "Largest Waterfall on Earth" rating. It is an unusually picturesque sight: the three arms of the cascade are rapidly flying down from a height of 914 meters. Located in the south of Peru, in the country of Ayacucho. It is not easy to approach it because of the inaccessibility of the surrounding forest.
It is noteworthy that there is another beautiful waterfall in the world with the poetic name Three Sisters. He is located in North Ossetia. It starts at one point on the Taimazi glacier, but then splits into three branches falling from a height of more than 300 meters. Officially they are called Taymazinskiy waterfalls.
Oloupen
The Hawaiian island of Molokai is famous not only for its wonderful beaches and beautiful resorts, but also for the 900-meter Oloupena Falls. Water slides like a thin ribbon between rocks, sandwiched on both sides by volcanic mountains. Therefore, it is difficult to find this attraction on your own. But excursions to the waterfall are regularly organized, which are very popular among tourists.
Yumbilya
And again we return to South America - to the country of Peru. It was here, in the Amazonas region, that another 896 meters high stream falling from the cliff was discovered in 2007. Although it rounds out the five tallest waterfalls in the world, it is far from the largest waterfall. The amount of discharged water is very small, moreover, in the dry season, the flow dries up altogether.
Niagara Falls
"Rumbling water" - this is how the name Niagara is translated from the language of the local Indians. It is given very accurately. The water roars with such force that in the area of 500 meters nothing is heard at all, and the noise of the stream is carried for many kilometers around.
How many meters tall is Niagara Falls? Only 53 meters. Of course, by this parameter, he cannot be compared with Angel. As mentioned above, the height of the highest waterfall in the world is almost a kilometer. But the power of Niagara is simply amazing - every second it dumps 5,700 cubic meters of water, or 3 million liters. According to this indicator, it has no equal on the entire planet. This is why it is often called the largest waterfall on Earth.
It is located in North America, in the middle reaches of the Niagara River, on the border of the United States and Canada. Millions of tourists visit it every year, since the excursion costs only $ 30. There are many other attractions around. The infrastructure of the region is very well developed.
Victoria
It is the widest waterfall in the world. Its streams stretched for 1800 meters along a huge cliff that stood in the path of the Zambezi River, South Africa. The height of Victoria Falls is also significant - 120 meters. The current name of the stream was given by the Scottish geographer David Livingstone in honor of Queen Victoria. Although the aborigines still call the waterfall Mosioa-Tunya, which means "thundering smoke".
A special city has been built in this region for travelers who want to admire this wonder of the world. Due to the revolutionary unrest in Zimbabwe and Zambia, which are in close proximity to Victoria Falls, the flow of tourists to this area has decreased slightly.
Iguazu
This is a complex of waterfalls in South America, on the border of Argentina and Brazil. It is called the eighth wonder of the world. In total, about 270 streams are connected here, which stretch for 3 kilometers. The largest of them is the "Devil's Throat" 83 meters high. Every hour, Iguazu throws more than 1 billion tons of water with a terrible roar, and water dust rises many tens of meters up. Iguazu in translation from the language of the local tribe of the Guarani Indians means "great water", which is fully justified. After all, the seething power of the streams is simply mesmerizing. Every year, more than 1.5 million tourists visit the natural landmark, which is included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Only here you can observe an amazing phenomenon: a huge rainbow in the light of the moon.
The most significant waterfall in Europe
It is located in Norway, in the county Mere og Romsdal, and is called Winnufossen. It is a cascade system with a height of 860 meters, which makes it the sixth highest waterfall in the world.
Streams run down the steep slope and are lost in dense forest thickets. The waterfall looks especially impressive from afar, when you can appreciate all its picturesqueness and grandeur.
The largest waterfall in Russia
This is Talnikovy waterfall. It is located in an inaccessible place on the Putorana plateau, or more precisely, in the Krasnoyarsk Territory, near the left bank of Lake Dupkun. The height of this waterfall is 700 meters. It falls like a sheer wall from the flat summit of Mount Trapezium and rushes down in 15 cascading steps.
It is noteworthy that Talnikovy waterfall is a seasonal phenomenon. It is formed in spring during the snow melting period and lasts for several months, completely drying out by the end of summer.
Russia is an immense country, its remote corners conceal many secrets. It is quite possible that a higher waterfall will soon be discovered in our country.