Underwater waterfalls are a miracle of nature. Nine unusual waterfalls in different countries. The most beautiful waterfall in the world
The phrase "underwater waterfall" sounds absurd. Approximately like "oil oil" or "transitional transition". But this is not an empty tautology. underwater waterfalls actually exist, and there is no other way to call them. This unique miracle nature, worthy to look at it at least once in a lifetime. The impression of what you see will remain for a long time. Our article is dedicated to this miracle of nature.
Underwater waterfall - what is it?
Despite the fact that man has already studied the planet far and wide, there are still many unique unexplored places. These are the underwater waterfalls.
This amazing thing happens for two reasons:
- uneven;
- uneven in density (due to different salt content and temperature differences in neighboring areas).
Everything happens like this: when there are water zones nearby different density, and the bottom in this place is relief, denser flows "fall" down, and the lungs rush up. And the effect of falling water is created.
largest underwater waterfall
To date, scientists have identified 7 such places at the bottom of the oceans (but, most likely, there are many more). It is noteworthy that some underwater waterfalls are many times larger than their land-based "brothers". The largest of them is located in Atlantic Ocean between Iceland and Greenland (it was discovered, by the way, by the Russians). It is 350 times higher than the "tallest" land giant - Venezuelan (its height is 979 meters). The width of the Atlantic giant is 150 kilometers, and the water flow is 30 thousand cubic meters per second.
Naturally, people are sorry to leave such power unclaimed, and humanity is already making plans for it, gradually developing projects for underwater hydroelectric power plants. In the meantime, underwater waterfalls have no industrial value. We can only admire them, admiring their beauty.
Beautiful underwater waterfall, Mauritius island
One of the most magnificent sights of the planet is the waterfall, which is located near the Le Morne Brabant peninsula. This is in the state of Mauritius. In fact, the local underwater waterfall is just an illusion. The visual effect of falling water is created by a combination of sand, silt, coral deposits, the strongest current in this place and the refraction of light.
The ingenious magician, which is our nature, has created such a miracle, from which it is difficult to take your eyes off. It is difficult to describe it in words. Even in photographs, the landscape looks quite bewitching, and what can we say about contemplation live!
How can you see it?
True, you can see the underwater waterfall of Mauritius only from above (by the way, it can be seen even from space). But if you are not an astronaut, but ordinary tourist, then you will have to get into a helicopter, soar into the sky over the Indian Ocean and get into a parallel reality with a fantastic world spread out below, under a thin layer of water.
The ocean shelves in these places are several million years old, but the bottom has risen relatively recently. Nearby were areas with different water depths (from eight to several hundred meters). This was the reason for the birth of a delightful and amazing natural phenomenon.
Thanks to its treasure, an underwater waterfall, the Le Morne Brabant peninsula is included in the UNESCO list. In fact, there are not so many sights worthy of a tourist's eye on this peninsula. The main one is this underwater waterfall. Mauritius - popular place for relax. If you are planning a trip there, be sure to visit the Le Morne Brabant peninsula and admire the wonder of nature.
Khon Falls is located on the Mekong River between Laos and Cambodia, over nine billion liters of water falls every second. Its height is about 21 meters.
This is the highest waterfall in India. Rather, a series of waterfalls that reach a height of up to 200 meters! Best time for tourism in these parts, this is the rainy season, the period in which the Jog Falls look most impressive.
Magnificent waterfall with emerald crystal clean water on the Keelung River, Taiwan. It is the largest waterfall in the country with a height of 20 meters and a width of 40 meters.
Victoria Falls listed world heritage UNESCO and is often regarded as the largest in the world. It was discovered by David Livingstone in 1855 and named after the British Queen Victoria. Although the version is also widespread that he named him after his late wife Victoria.
The Langfossen waterfall is located in the municipality of Etne in western Norway and is easy to access: European road route E134 passes right at the foot of this waterfall, which is very convenient for tourists.
It is located in the Krka National Park, Croatia and is very popular with swimmers and divers. The turquoise waters of the river running from the Dinaric Alps flow into the magnificent waterfall Veliki Slap ( big waterfall), immersed in lush vegetation, it is also the largest waterfall in the Plitvice Lakes region.
Due to a number of controversial issues, this waterfall is either third or 14th in the world. In any case, Gokta is one of the highest and most majestic waterfalls in the world, and was first seen relatively recently only in 2003.
This is not even one, but a series of waterfalls located in the Bern region (Switzerland). The height of the Reichenbach Falls reaches more than 250 meters. It is also notable for the fact that it was in this place that the final battle between Sherlock Holmes and Professor Moriarty took place based on the novel by Arthur Conan Doyle.
This largest waterfall in Asia is located on the Guichun River on the border of China (Guangxi Province) and Vietnam, and is known among the Vietnamese as Ban Gioc Falls.
The waters of Mardalsfossen are used for a hydroelectric power station, the waterfall flows freely only in the summer. Therefore, when choosing a time to travel to contemplate the waterfall "in action", focus on the period from June to August.
St. Clair Falls is the largest in Sri Lanka and is nicknamed "Little Niagara". In fact, it is 10 times smaller than Niagara Falls.
The waterfall "Throat of Baatara" falls from a height of more than 250 m into the Jurassic limestone cave "Abyss of the Three Bridges" in the Lebanese region of Tannourine. It was discovered by French caver Henri Coiffait in 1952.
Famous Niagara Falls separates Canada and the USA. Being world famous, it never ceases to fascinate and attract thrill-seekers who have fun risking their lives to challenge the powerful flow of water. In 2012, hereditary tightrope walker Nik Wallenda successfully crossed the waterfall on a tight cable anchored in neighboring countries.
It is about four times the height of Niagara Falls, that is, the height of Kaieteur is 226 meters above the ground. It is located on the Potaro River and bears the name of the great leader Kaya of the Patamona tribe, who sacrificed himself to the great spirit of Makonaima in order to save his people.
Inga waterfall is famous for the largest volume of water moved, in this no other waterfall can be compared with it, it stretches 15 kilometers from the city of Matadi.
IN national park Yosemite, which is located in the Sierra Nevada, California, is the highest waterfall in North America with a height of 739 meters from the top to the lowest level. According to various sources, it ranks sixth or 20th among the highest waterfalls on the planet.
The Rhine Falls are one of the largest in Europe. It extends for 150 meters between Swiss cities Neuhausen and Flurlingen, maximum height about 23 meters.
This turquoise cascading waterfall is located in the Erawan National Park and attracts many tourists. In Hindu mythology, Erawan is an elephant with three heads.
Tugela Falls - the highest in Africa and the second highest in the world (933 meters). It is located in the Drakensberg area, South Africa.
Gaping Gill Falls is located on Mount Ingleborough in North Yorkshire, England, in the cavity of Britain's largest natural cave, which is popular with cavers. Water falls into this well from a height of 105 meters.
In Amharic, these waterfalls are called "Tis-Ysat" and "Tis-Abbay", which means "smoking water". They are located on the Blue Nile River, a few meters from the first stone bridges built in Ethiopia in the 17th century.
Russell Falls is located in Tasmania, in Mount Field National Park. It was used to illustrate Australia's first postage stamp in 1899.
Water has always carried a special power. She cleansed, energized, bestowed health and youth. And, probably, that is why mother nature wished to collect it into single channels, beautifully falling from mountain peaks. The beauty of the waterfalls fascinates every traveler, as if inviting you to get drunk and relieve all earthly sorrows and sufferings.
Gremyachiy key
According to legend, he was born from the union of thunder and lightning. According to legend, a couple of centuries ago, a thunderstorm broke out in the village of Malinniki near Moscow. During it, lightning struck at the highest point of the forest hill, going deep into the ground. Because of this, a funnel formed in the place where the fire arrow passed, from where water streams gushed. For this, the waterfall was called "Gremyachiy". Today, everyone wants to get to the waterfall, because, as there is an opinion, its waters heal any disease.
It is located 15–20 kilometers from Sergiev Posad. The most convenient way to reach Yaroslavl highway. Before the traffic police sign, turn in the direction of " Nizhny Novgorod”, onto A-108, then drive to the sign “Botovo, Gremyachiy Klyuch”, turning right onto the asphalt road. From the turn to the source, you will have to overcome about 5 kilometers.
12 keys near Izborsk
It is believed that each jet of this waterfall is endowed with a special power. One heals, the other gives happiness, the third - love. But, since no one remembers which good is responsible for what, people drink water from every trickle. The legend about this waterfall is quite interesting. So, initially, the waterfall had one powerful jet, the noise from the fall of which spread far over two miles. There was a mill on the waterfall. The miller watched her work tirelessly, as the correct handling of the device ensured that the waterfall did not dry out. But the miller did not save the water: when the Lithuanian troops attacked Izborsk, the spring of the waterfall stopped beating. Then a local resident had a dream in which he was instructed to name the waterfall in honor of the twelve apostles. As soon as locals did this, the water immediately returned, and the waterfall was divided into 12 springs, each of which gained miraculous power.
Where is it located and how to get there: located in the village of Izborsk (Pskov region, Pechora district) near the Izborsk fortress. To get into locality, you should drive 30 kilometers west of Pskov.
Waterfall Kivach
A similar name comes from the Finnish word "kiivas", which translates as "swift, powerful." The waterfall reaches a height of 11 meters, and in terms of its size, the water source is in third place in the world among flat waterfalls. The history of the origin of the waterfall is quite interesting. It is about two sister rivers named Shuya and Suna. Since they never wanted to part with each other, they always flowed side by side. But one day, when Suna was tired from a long journey, she decided to lie down to rest, she handed over her convenient channel to her sister. When Suna woke up, she saw that Shuya had gone very far, so she immediately rushed after her, demolishing everything in her path. And just in the area where she made a hole in the rock, the Kivach waterfall appeared.
Where is it located and how to get there: located on the territory of the reserve of the same name. The reserve, in turn, is located in the center of Karelia, 5 kilometers away from the M-18 highway. You can get there by sightseeing buses departing from St. Petersburg or Petrozavodsk, or by car. In the latter case, you should keep the path along the M-18 highway to the village of Sopokha, then turn west (to the left if you move from Petrozavodsk) to the pointer to the waterfall.
honey waterfalls
Such beautiful name these waterfalls appeared thanks to a legend. She said that one ruler once ordered his subjects to find on earth real paradise. And they went in search of such places. They walked for a long time, overcoming mountains, plains and rivers, but they did not find anything. And when their hope was almost exhausted, they found themselves in an excellent place, where there was a cascade of waterfalls and a river gorge. Swarms of wild bees lived on the river bank. When their honeycombs were washed away by rain masses, droplets of honey flowed down the rocks, falling into the streams of the waterfall. The people of the ruler, standing directly under the streams of water, felt the taste of honey on their lips. Since then, the waterfalls began to be called Honey. Today, these waterfalls are especially popular among newlyweds celebrating their Honeymoon. After all, only near them you can enjoy a secluded and quiet holiday.
Where are they located and how to get there : m The location of the waterfalls: the village of Krasny Kurgan, in Karachay-Cherkessia. There are three ways to get to the sights from Kislovodsk: by car, on foot and by sightseeing buses. Directly from the city to the Honey Falls lies hiking trail located on the right bank of Alikonovka. It should be said that you need to go strictly upstream. The path will not be short - it is necessary to overcome 16 kilometers. When traveling by car, finding your destination is much easier: signs lead to it from the city. You should go along the road that runs past the Karachay stud farm.
Waterfall "Tears of Laura"
This waterfall owes its name to a rather sad story. She tells that a couple in love once met under a source of water: the girl Laura and her fiancé, who swore to eternal love each other under powerful water jets. But the evil local prince opposed their wedding. And then the beloved, not resigned to the hill of fate, decided to throw themselves down from the cliff. And hundreds of streams burst rocks, like tears. Since then and until now, they mourn their beloved, turning into a waterfall with a characteristic name.
Where is it located and how to get there: is located in the village of Vishnevka, Lazarevsky district of Sochi. You can get to regular bus, following the route Lazarevskaya - Tuapse. After spending about an hour on the road, you will need to get off in the middle of the route, and you will find yourself in resort village Vishnevka.
Shinok waterfalls
They represent a cascade that includes five waterfalls located in the gorge of the river of the same name. Here, the primordial nature leaves no one indifferent. In the summer time, the falling water is framed in a green coastal frame. And in winter, when the waterfalls freeze, the icy streams become like frozen music. There is a version that the spirit of Eelu guards the waterfalls. And in order to appease him, on the sacrificial tree, standing at the source of the river, you need to tie a red or white ribbon, and also say “thank you” for clean water.
R located in the Soloneshensky district Altai Territory. You can get from Biysk, moving along the highway Biysk - Soloneshnoye - Ust-Kan. The attraction is located almost on the border of the Altai Republic and the Altai Territory, if you do not reach the Denisovy Caves. Up to the waterfalls you have to walk along the path.
Since the waterfalls beat with their keys directly from the rocks, they are also called Weeping Waterfalls, since it really seems that the rocks are crying. And in winter time frozen waterfalls form an incredibly beautiful cascade of ice. There is a rather sad legend about the origin of the Chegem waterfalls. So, the story tells that there was once a village high in the mountains, famous for girls of unprecedented beauty. Their eyes were blue, like delicate flowers, black braids reached to the toes, and a blush appeared on their cheeks, reminiscent of the light of the morning dawn. A grief happened: the village was attacked by enemies who wished to make the girls their slaves. But the young beauties did not reconcile themselves, they ran away to the rocks, jumping down. Their long hair hung on the rocky ledges, and from this hair streams of the future waterfall gushed.
Where are they located and how to get there: Chegem waterfalls are 50 kilometers away from the city of Nalchik (Republic of Kabardino-Balkaria). You can get to public transport(bus from Nalchik) or by car. In the latter case, you won’t need to turn anywhere, since the attraction is located on the road from Chegem to the gorge.
Waterfalls catch the eye, fascinate with their power and beauty. You can endlessly watch a huge body of water rushing down with a roar. The largest waterfall on Earth is 3.5 kilometers high. True, it is unlikely that you will be able to enjoy its view, because the waterfall is ... underwater.
Underwater record holder
The Denmark Strait Falls is located in a small part of the ocean between Greenland and Iceland. Its dimensions are about 160 km, and the water falls 3,505 meters from the Greenland Sea into the Irminger Sea, carrying about 5 million cubic meters of water per second. With such characteristics, it outshines all giant waterfalls on land. For example, Angel Falls, the highest above sea level located in Venezuela, is three times shorter than the Denmark Strait Falls, and Niagara Falls carry 2,000 times less water even during peak flows.
How can such streams of water fall down while under water?
The whole secret is in the temperature difference between the very cold Arctic waters of the Greenland Sea and a little more warm sea Irminger. Since the molecules in cold water are less active and occupy less space than in warm water, they "squeeze" against each other, making cold water denser (and therefore heavier). Therefore, when water from the Greenland Sea meets water in the Irminger Sea, it flows under its own weight down to the bottom.
Reaching the bottom, the water from the Denmark Strait Falls forms a massive stream that moves south, replacing the warmer water near the surface that flows north. The amount of water in this massive stream is 20-40 times the volume of all river waters flowing into the Atlantic.
With one eye
Although the Denmark Strait Falls are hidden from human eyes, the illusion of an underwater waterfall can still be admired. To do this, you need to go to the tropical island of Mauritius in Indian Ocean. Off the coast of the Le Morne Brabant peninsula in the southwest, unusual underwater landscapes and strong undercurrents carrying streams of silt and sand give the impression that a real underwater waterfall is flowing there.
Tourists from all over the world come to admire this beauty. Here you can even rent a plane to see the "underwater waterfall" from a bird's eye view.
The view of the downfall from high cliffs with the roar of water - a delightful and majestic sight. That is why waterfalls fascinate people with their beauty and remain one of the most visited places by tourists. Their height and power at all times attracted people like a magnet and, probably, will continue to attract until the fall of human civilization.
However, there are such waterfalls that stand out from the crowd of brothers with an unimpressive height and huge area, but unique appearance. We have collected two dozen waterfalls that amaze the imagination with their appearance alone.
Off the coast of the Lemorne Brabant Peninsula is an unusual underwater waterfall. In some incomprehensible way, water tends to sandbanks straight into the ocean.
Waipugia Falls, Hawaii
Contrary to the laws of gravity, the Waipugia Falls, or as it is also called the “Inverted” Falls, does not flow in the direction in which it should be expected to flow. This a natural phenomenon actually caused strong winds raising columns of water up. This inverted waterfall is found in Hawaii, but others like it are found in Ireland, Iceland and the UK.
Fire Falls, California
Every year in February, remarkable metamorphoses take place with the water rushing from a height. The sun's rays, illuminating the water stream at a certain angle, create a strange illusion: it seems that red-hot lava flows from a cliff 650 meters high. The waterfall has another name - Horstail or "Horse Tail", which he received because of the unusual shape of the water flows.
Sticky Falls, Thailand
Typically, the rocks that the water flows over are smooth and slippery, but Bua Tong Falls breaks that pattern. Water flows over tiers of porous limestone that sticks to your feet. Moreover, it is so strong that you can climb to the top of the waterfall quite calmly, without fear of slipping.
Toilet Waterfall, China
Mother nature is a lot of fantasy, but even she can not be compared in fantasy with the Chinese artist Shu Yong, who created a waterfall from 10,000 toilets, urinals and sinks. All porcelain friends are connected to the water supply system and create a kind of cascade. A five-meter installation is sometimes launched to the delight of tourists.
McWeigh Beach Falls, California
What makes this waterfall so spectacular is that its waters rush right into the white sandy beach. And at high tide, the water falls right into the ocean. The secluded beach is practically untouched by humans, as it is very difficult to reach it due to frequent landslides.
Hrøynfossar waterfall, Iceland
Hrøynfossar is a series of small waterfalls located near the tube-shaped lava cave Viudgelmir. Although its name can be translated as "Lava Falls", the water flowing from it has a bright turquoise color.
Glacier waterfall, Iceland
In places where glaciers are constantly moving, for example, in ice caves ah Iceland, often formed amazing waterfalls. The light reflected from the walls of the ice caves creates a magical and otherworldly effect.
Foggy waterfall, Iceland
And again our path led us to a wonderland - Iceland. The misty waterfall looks very impressive, but unfortunately this unusual natural phenomenon cannot be seen every day. Due to the constant roar of the wind, the misty waterfall even sounds like a real one.
Blood Falls, Antarctica
The blood-red liquid gushing from the Antarctic ice is a heartbreaking sight, but thankfully it's not real blood. At first, scientists thought that algae were the cause of this phenomenon, but it turned out that it was the water itself that contained iron oxide, which dyed it a rusty red color.
Frozen Falls, Illinois
Frozen waterfalls are a fairly common natural phenomenon caused by extreme low temperatures. Some, like this waterfall located in the Wild Cat Canyon, have become popular among hobbyists. thrill who want to test their ice climbing skills.
Bigar waterfall, Romania
The unique shape and emerald green moss cover made this waterfall look like a large 8-meter mushroom. Water flowing in silvery streams over the “cap” of the mushroom complements the spectacular spectacle.
Iguazu Falls, Argentina, Brazil
It is said that when Eleanor Roosevelt saw the complex of Iguazu Falls, she only said: "poor Niagara." And no wonder, because Iguazu is a huge complex of waterfalls spread over an area of 2.7 kilometers, located at the junction of two states - Argentina and Brazil.
Angel Falls, Venezuela
Angel is the owner of the title of the most high waterfall in the world, and despite the fact that it is located in the impenetrable jungle, every year thousands of tourists gather at its foot. Its height is 15 times the height of Niagara Falls.
Baatara Waterfall, Lebanon
Baatara was opened only in 1952. This waterfall seems like a setting for a science fiction movie. Water falls between three stone bridges and plunges straight into a huge Jurassic limestone cave.
Hukou Waterfall, China
Hukou is the second largest waterfall in China, and it is notable for the color of its waters has a unique golden yellow color. The yellow color of the water is given by loose soil particles raised by the current.
Petrified waterfall Hierve el Agua, Mexico
Hierve el Agua is Spanish for "boiling water" - the name comes from bubbling mineral springs. From afar, Ierve el Agua resembles a waterfall frozen on a mountainside, but it is actually a mineral deposit created by mineral-rich water flowing lazily over the rocks. Water forms stalactites, similar to those found in caves.
Swarovski Crystal Worlds, Austria
Under the head of the giant, whose eyes are made of green crystals, there is a crystal museum created for the 100th anniversary of Swarovski. Streams of water constantly erupt from the giant's mouth, which makes this phantasmagoric spectacle simply unforgettable.
Ruby Falls underground waterfall, Tennessee
Unlike some cave waterfalls, where water pours through openings in caves, Ruby Falls is entirely underground. The 45-meter waterfall is one of the main attractions of Tennessee, USA. Water, illuminated by specially installed neon lamps, falls into a crystal clear underground lake.
Hanging Glacier Ventisquero Colgante, Chile
The glacier, hovering over the edge of a cliff, is located in the Chilean National Park of Keulat in the south of the country. It is reliably isolated, and therefore not as famous as other waterfalls. Water flows from the glacier throughout the year, but depending on weather conditions and the position of the glacier, the flow can change or even break into several separate jets.
