What is a waterfall? The largest waterfall in the world

Waterfalls - wonder of the world

Among all the wonders bestowed on man by nature, perhaps the most popular are waterfalls. Their beauty fascinates tourists, their power is admirable. "Falling water", as the most majestic phenomenon of nature, has long attracted a person with its unique beauty. It has been noticed that any waterfall with its thunderous peals for many kilometers serves as a guide for birds during migrations.

A very curious pattern: all the largest waterfalls in the world are located on the border of two or even three states. And this, apparently, is not accidental - wide waterfalls represent insurmountable natural boundaries, along which boundaries were established.

On our planet, there are whole clusters of "water diamonds". In the Caucasus, on the territory of the Teberdinsky Reserve in the gorge of the river. Salynngan (a tributary of the Kizgych River) is the valley of "Thirty Waterfalls". In Japan, in national park On the island of Honshu, 100 waterfalls fall into the Osugidani Valley. And Norway is even called the Land of Waterfalls. But few people know that the small highland kingdom of Lesotho in Africa in South Africa is a unique intricacies of 3000 waterfalls.

And if you ask someone a question: what is the most big waterfall- rest assured, the majority will answer: Niagara. Some will remember the Victoria Falls, discovered in Africa famous traveler David Livingston in 1855. And only a few, geographers, will ask again: what is meant - width, height or power, since the term "largest" in relation to waterfalls sounds very vague.

Angel and Cohn

Angel Falls is the highest waterfall in the world, and the highest in Russia is the Talnikovsky waterfall. You can read about these two waterfalls and the height of the highest waterfalls in the world in our article - The highest waterfall in the world.

The widest in the world waterfall - Kohn waterfall(Khon) on the Mekong River, on the border of Laos and Kampuchea (12-13 km). The width of the area of ​​its flow is more than 12.5 kilometers.

Cohn was discovered in 1920 by the explorer E. Khohan and was named after him.

Kohn Falls is a cascading structure, includes many waterfalls flowing down from different levels Mekong plateau. The beauty of this waterfall is due to the brightest colorful flowers growing along its banks.

Kohn waterfall is good for health

Kohn is also a well-accessible spot for observation. Its viewing area is well equipped. Tourists appreciate it.

This waterfall is the calmest of all waterfalls. His disposition is most favorable for sick people. The power of this waterfall is aimed at a calming effect, it has magical energy. Many people who have visited the Kohn waterfall were convinced of its positive effect on the human body.

Kohn Falls is one of beautiful waterfalls peace. He is under guard national reserve and recognized national treasure Earth.

The most powerful waterfall - Iguazu

The most powerful waterfall in the world - Iguazu("Devil's Throat"), whose height is only about 80 m.

A monstrous mass of water falls over the crest of the ledge of this waterfall - more than 700 thousand cubic meters per minute.

The thunder of this powerful waterfall can be heard for many kilometers.
Iguazu - 275 cascades in one system - this is the most beautiful panorama on our planet. It was opened to Europeans in 1541 by the Spanish conquistador Alvaro de Veca. Crossing the Brazilian Highlands with his detachment and hearing a distant rumble, he went to a waterfall. The religious Spanish conqueror, who exterminated the natives with fire and sword, was so shocked by the grandiose grandeur of Nature that he did not find best name waterfall, like the "jump of St. Mary" - "mother of God." And the border between Brazil and Argentina along the "Devil's Throat" was finally established only in 1928.

It is impossible to capture the entire front of the Iguazu Falls from one point - the cascades are interspersed with rocks, the tropical forest interferes. Therefore, at the service of numerous tourists from all over the world, 2 kilometers of footbridges have been laid here, connecting the "rock-islands" protruding from the boiling foam at the crest of the abyss. Several hotels, bars and restaurants have been built nearby, an airfield (the nearest railroad station 400 km).

The greatest waterfalls in the world

In the national parks of Iguazu (180 thousand hectares in Brazil and 55 thousand hectares from Argentina), palm trees and the iron tree "quebracho" grow, diverse animal world, inhabited by hummingbirds and rare butterflies the size of a saucer, the most unthinkable colors.

The greatest waterfalls in the world:

The most famous waterfall - Niagara

A "most famous" Niagara Falls - only 50 meters high, and inferior in power to both Iguazu and even Victoria.

And for some reason, many believe that Niagara belongs to the United States. This is not entirely true. Niagara, at the very ledge, is divided by Goth Island into two streams: the left, Canadian - 914 m wide and the right, American - 305 m wide.

But the Americans skillfully present the miracle of nature. They installed dozens of multi-colored floodlights here with a total capacity of 1.5 million kW. As soon as it gets dark, their rays are directed to the continuously moving wall of the waterfall, creating a fabulous illumination.

Bridges have been built above and below the waterfall for the convenience of tourists, and hotels, motels, observation towers 100 meters high, suspension road. There are galleries on both banks, their lifts lower tourists down to the very foot of the waterfall. Being on concrete platforms a meter from the giant wall of the collapsing elements (with reverse side), tourists experience awe before the unbridled forces of nature.

According to gorodokn.ru and ru.wikipedia.org

It is constantly washed away under the waterfall, the power of water smoothes rocks, stones, making a convenient path for itself. By smoothing the ground, waterfalls become calm rivers. But it happens that as the rocks corrode, pieces of stones break off, and a new stream of water flows down at the place of the break, forming a waterfall. A new waterfall can occur both downstream of the river and above the old waterfall. Thus, the waterfalls seem to travel along the river, sometimes for several kilometers. Such waterfalls are cataract-type waterfalls. This type of waterfall has many rapids on big river. Most often cataract waterfalls or, as they are also called - streams, flow down the rapids and carry with them a very large volume of water.

The most famous waterfalls

• The most powerful waterfall in the world is Iguazu Falls on the border of Brazil and Argentina.
• Niagara Falls in North America holds the record for the amount of water carried.
• Victoria Falls on the Zambezi River in Africa is the only one in the world that is over 100 meters high and over a kilometer wide.

Waterfalls in Russia

In terms of attendance, the waterfalls of the Krasnodar Territory are in the lead, located near Sochi, Gelendzhik, Anapa, 2-10 meters high, especially "33 waterfalls".

highest waterfalls

The highest waterfall in Central Asia is located in Kazakhstan in the mountains of the Dzungarian Alatau in the gorge of the Kora River. It is called Burkhan-Bulak. The total height of the 4 cascades is 168 m, and the visible part of the three lower cascades is 114 m.

In the world

In Russia

Waterfall- a stream of water, striving or falling from a height. The word "waterfall" itself appeared in ancient egypt, and it meant "falling water." Waterfalls appeared almost 20 thousand years ago. And many of them have less than 10 thousand years of life left.

Until 1982, the largest waterfall in the world, Guaira, was on Earth. But this waterfall had a volume of water transfusion 8 times greater than that of famous waterfall Iguazu. However, this waterfall was flooded by human forces - a dam was built on it to protect the population from water.

Waterfalls form very slowly. Starting with a small stream that is fighting for its existence, and ending with tons of overflowing water. A waterfall is not just falling water. The waterfall is a bustling life, it is a beautiful sight that has a calming and relaxing effect. Waterfalls attract lovers from all over the world who want to seal their affairs with an eternity of seething water.

The highest waterfalls in Russia:

I present to you a selection of waterfalls that amaze with their power and height, surrounded by the pristine beauty of wild landscapes. One vacation photo against the background of any of these creations of nature - and life has not been lived in vain.
It is impossible to deny that the waterfalls are one of the most beautiful natural phenomena. Crystalline jets of water that roar from dizzy height, splitting and playing in the rays of the sun - a truly bewitching sight, especially against the backdrop of sheer cliffs and picturesque meadows. Any waterfall represents power and grandeur, but there are such instances in the world that you can admire for hours.
Tugela, South Africa


The Tugela Falls are the second largest in the world. He is in South Africa, in the royal national park. The height of the waterfall is 411 meters.
Iguazu, Argentina




This waterfall, located on the border of Brazil and Argentina, is considered one of the most powerful in the world. In fact, Iguazu is not just one waterfall, but a whole system of 275 waterfalls ranging in height from 60 to 80 meters and a length of about 3 kilometers. The largest waterfall is a U-shaped natural formation, called the "Devil's Throat" by the Spanish conquistadors.
Yosemite waterfall in Yosemite National Park, USA



This waterfall can be admired in California, in the national park of the same name. Yosemite is one of the highest waterfalls in the world - 739 meters. It is interesting that in winter the waterfall almost "calms down", and in spring and summer it reaches its maximum scope. The national park is also known for its rocks, which the most desperate lovers of extreme recreation try to conquer.
Angel Falls, Venezuela



Angel is the highest waterfall in the world. Its height is 979 meters, which is 15 times more than the height of the famous Niagara. The waterfall is located in Venezuela, in the Canaima National Park, and every year thousands of tourists come to the country to see this miracle of nature with their own eyes, and risky base jumpers even jump from it. The waterfall is named after the American aviator Jimmy Angel, who, flying over Venezuela, noticed this waterfall from a height and opened it to the whole world.
Waterfalls of Kauai Island, Hawaii




Kauai is the oldest of the main Hawaiian Islands that emerged 6 million years ago. A huge amount of precipitation contributes to the formation in the mountains deep canyons with many waterfalls. The Guinness Book of Records listed the rain that lasted on this island for 247 days without a break, from August 27, 1993 to April 30, 1994.
Niagara Falls, USA






Niagara Falls in the northeastern United States is one of the most powerful in the world - about 2.8 million liters of water per second falls from a height of 53 meters. Tourists love Niagara Falls because it is relatively easy to get to and see from all angles.
Victoria, South Africa




Victoria Falls is also called the Thundering Smoke of Africa because of the unimaginable rumble emitted by thousands of liters of water falling every second into the white abyss of the water haze they raise. Victoria is one of the giant waterfalls, its height is 108 meters. His official name the waterfall is indebted to David Livingston, an explorer from Scotland. He visited here in 1855 and was so delighted with the beauty and power of the waterfall that he named it after the queen.
Gokta, Peru




Gokta is the fifth largest waterfall in the world, located in Peru. Its height is 771 meters. Unbelievable, but true: the world learned about this waterfall only in 2005, and before that only natives admired its beauties.
Sutherland, New Zealand



There is a waterfall in New Zealand called Sutherland. It is located on the South Island and is considered one of the most beautiful and mysterious waterfalls peace. Getting to the waterfall is not easy, but it's worth it - a narrow jet of water flying from a height of 580 meters, surrounded by dense greenery and rocks, is a fantastic sight!
Kaieteur, Guyana


This miracle of nature lurks in tropical forests Guyana, countries in South America. Kaieteur is one of the largest waterfalls in the world. Its height is about 226 meters. For a long time, only locals knew about this waterfall, but in 1870 an English geologist accidentally discovered it. Getting to the waterfall is quite difficult, but this does not stop the flow of tourists who want to see Kaieteur with their own eyes.
Vinnufossen, Norway


Norwegian waterfall Vinnufossen - the highest in Europe (860 meters). Falling from a great height, the water splits into four streams, which makes the waterfall even more beautiful.
Dettifoss, Iceland




The Icelandic waterfall Dettifoss is the most powerful in Europe. Its height is about 40 meters, and its capacity is about 200 cubic meters of water per second. The waterfall is surrounded beautiful rocks, gorges and lakes and is very popular with both local residents as well as tourists.
Inga, Congo




Inga Falls is part of the famous Livingston Falls in the Congo. This is one of the largest and powerful waterfalls in the world. Its height is 96 meters.
Rovijoki, Norway




Rovijoki waterfall in the Norwegian town of Skibotn, famous primarily for its astrophysical observatory, which is the northernmost observatory in the world.
Salto del Laja, Chile


Salto del Laja is a picturesque 35-meter waterfall in Chile, which is often called the pearl of this country.
Zhenzhutan, China


The Zhenzhutan Waterfall in the Jiuzhaigou Nature Reserve in China is irresistible in its pristine beauty. At the top of the rock there is a threshold, against which its waters hit, forming many smaller waterfalls, and with swift jets it falls down like real water pearls.
Rideau, Canada


Frozen Rideau Falls in Ottawa, Canada. The name of the waterfalls was given by Samuel de Champlain in 1613, for whom the sight of falling water resembled a curtain (rideau - curtain, French). Later, the Rideau River was named after the falls, and many other objects in Ottawa were named after it.

Hi all! Today I again have something interesting to read for you. And so I thought it would be interesting to speculate about what a waterfall is?

The water forms a picturesque landscape, falling steeply over several ledges. Those waterfalls that fall gently are called waterfalls. Mighty and wide waterfalls are called cataracts, an example is the waterfall on the river. Congo.

Gradually, the ledge of the waterfall collapses, especially in places near the base, and then it recedes upstream. For example, the famous Niagara Falls, striking in its scale, annually "eats" 0.7 - 0.9 m of the rock from which it falls.

And for the entire time of its existence, it "moved away" more than 10 km from the place where it arose. And if it continues like this, then it will reach Lake Erie in 20 thousand years, and having swallowed it, it will cease to exist.

Famous waterfalls of the world.

On the river of the same name (border of Canada and). This waterfall is divided into two main parts: American - 49 m high and Canadian - 50 m high. The waterfall is famous for its loss of water - about 426,000 m 3 / min.

on the Zambezi River (border between Zimbabwe and Zambia). The height of this waterfall is from 60 m to 107 m, the length is about 1.5 km. He is thrown into a narrow huge abyss and disappears in it.

Waterfall on the river of the same name (border of Brazil and Argentina) 73 m high.

on the Churun ​​River (Basin of the Caroni River, Venezuela). It is the tallest waterfall in the world. The total height is 1054 m, and the height free fall- 979 m.

On the Merced River (California, USA), 491 m high.

Yellowstone Lower and Upper waterfalls on the Yellowstone River (Yellowstone national park, Wyoming, USA) with a height of 94 m and 33 m, respectively.

On the river of the same name (Natal province, PAR). Its total height is 859 m, and the free fall height is 518 m.

On the Parana River (border of Paraguay and Brazil) with a height of about 114 m. It is believed that this waterfall has the largest average water loss among all waterfalls - 793,000 m 3 / min.

- This is a cascade of waterfalls on the Yosemite Creek (California, USA). Its total height is 739 m, and the Upper Yosemite Falls is the highest at 436 m.

On the Meadow River (California, USA) with a height of 357 m.

On the river of the same name (Orinoco river basin, Venezuela) with a height of 625 m.

On the river Po (basin of the river Adour, Central Pyrenees, France) with a height of 422 m.

On the Maclay River (New South Wales, Australia) 482 m high.

That's all, I hope that now it has become clear what a waterfall is, and a journey through the most famous waterfalls the world you liked 🙂