The largest and most beautiful waterfall in the world. The most beautiful waterfalls in the world

It is probably difficult to find a person who is completely indifferent to the beauty of water falling from a great height. The multi-ton power of such a stream fascinates, the play of splashes and light delights with dynamism. Among the amazing natural phenomena a special place was occupied by the most beautiful waterfalls peace. To their thunderous peals like a magnet attracted a person from ancient times. Before this natural miracle, the veil of illusions that man is the king of nature disappears.

In this article, we will present you the five most beautiful waterfalls in the world. We do not claim that they are not more beautiful and majestic. On every continent, in almost every country in the world, there are these amazing natural monuments. Perhaps not so majestic and powerful, but always amazingly beautiful. Therefore, describing the most beautiful waterfalls in the world, the list can be increased many times over.

The most famous waterfalls in the world

Each waterfall is an impressive sight, however, there are such incredible complexes in the world that you can admire all day long. In our article, we will present the following:

1. Angel (Venezuela).
2. Niagara Falls(USA).
3. Victoria (Zimbabwe).
4. Iguazu (Argentina/Brazil).
5. Yosemite Falls (USA).

Waterfalls of the world (the most beautiful and famous): Angel

We will begin our short review with on our planet. He is in South America(Venezuela). The name of this natural miracle is translated as "angel's jump". You can see this roaring water stream, breaking from a height that exceeds the height of any skyscraper, in national park"Kanaima".

Water with a deafening roar rushes down, forming a semblance of fog. No one can name the exact height of this Venezuelan attraction yet. According to approximate data, it ranges from 978 to 1054 meters.

The most beautiful waterfalls in the world are not always accessible to tourists. An example of this is Angel. It is extremely difficult to approach a kilometer-long sheer wall, which is very densely blocked by a dense tropical forest intertwined with thickets of vines and shrubs. It is for this reason that surveyors, trying to measure the height of this waterfall, cut their way with axes. It took them 20 days to cover 35 km.

Today everyone who wants to see it natural wonder during the rainy season, which lasts from May to November, it takes 5 hours to reach it by boat. Angel is fed only by rain, so we do not recommend trying to get to it during the dry season. You will be disappointed when you see a very small stream instead of a powerful water wall.

Niagara Falls

Perhaps someone will disagree, but in our opinion, this is the most beautiful waterfall in the world. Its name is known even to schoolchildren. It is located on the river of the same name, at the border of two states: Ontario and New York, which are located in Canada and the USA.

Scientists have noticed amazing fact- the greatest waterfalls (in width), as a rule, are located on the border of two (and sometimes three) countries. This is not an accident - water masses stretching for a huge width are impenetrable natural boundaries, along which official borders between states eventually appeared.

Niagara Falls is by far the most popular among tourists due to its accessibility. They are attracted here by the extraordinary, almost untouched nature. The general complex consists of several waterfalls. Their height is over 53 meters. The water jets of this giant fall at a speed of 3 million l / s. The nearest settlement is the city of Buffalo.

To avoid a huge crowd of tourists, come to these wonderful places better in autumn or in the spring. This will allow you to enjoy the incredible beauty and grandeur of the waterfall.

Victoria

The top of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world continues in our article. It is one of the highest on our planet. In addition, he is known for the fact that he very harmoniously divides Zambia and Zimbabwe. It was discovered by a Scot in 1865.

Four years before the discovery of this object, Livingston already knew about the existence of this waterfall. The explorer intended, with the help of such amazing beauty, to turn dense Africa into a center of attraction for travelers from all over the world.

On the African continent, Victoria is the highest waterfall. Its uniqueness lies in the fact that reaching two kilometers in width, it has a height of 120 meters. Such grandiose cascades are no longer on our planet. It is located on full-flowing water. At the peak of the inflow of water, it passes an average of eight thousand cubic meters per second.

The locals call this amazing cascade "thundering smoke", meaning the volume of fog that rises to a height of more than 400 meters, as well as the deafening noise that can be heard for tens of kilometers. And the spray flying upwards in a huge column is visible for 50 kilometers. They almost always sparkle with a rainbow. If you want to experience the most incredible sensations, you should stand at the foot of this waterfall at least once.

Iguazu

The most beautiful waterfalls in the world are famous not only for their powerful water flows, but also for their magnificent natural panoramas. Iguazu is located on the border of Brazil and Argentina. Objectively, it is considered the most picturesque in the world. In addition, it occupies a leading position in terms of fullness.

Merging together, 275 cascades form a grandiose complex with a displacement of over 1700 cubic meters per second. Its height is 80 meters, and the width at the base is 4 kilometers. For Europeans, the waterfall was discovered in the 16th century by conquistadors from Spain. The river on which it is located winds, flows, crossing the mainland in a westerly direction for 1,500 kilometers, and then ends with a vault of waterfalls, which resemble a crescent in shape at the drain.

The rumble of Iguazu can be heard for several kilometers. The waterfall is the pride of Argentines and Brazilians. Every year, tens of thousands of travelers come here to see this splendor with their own eyes. Due to the existing relations between Argentina and Brazil, the states have entered into original agreements: the Brazilians are monopolists for helicopter tours, and the Argentines are responsible for boat trips.

Yosemite Falls

Describing the most beautiful waterfalls in the world, one cannot fail to mention this cascade. The waterfall located in Yosemite Park is called the Horsetail. Its height reaches 740 meters. In February, Yosemite Falls becomes "fiery lava" for a few days.

Hundreds of thousands of tourists flock to Yosemite park at this time to enjoy the beauty of the fiery miracle. The secret of this phenomenon is explained by the special arrangement of the rays of the sun. Getting to the waterfall at a strictly defined angle, they illuminate the powerful water stream in an amazing way.

At first, it becomes yellowish-orange, and gradually, when the sun sets, the waterfall turns into a rich fiery color. Everyone who observes this natural miracle has the impression that red-hot lava flows out of the rock. It is a pity that even with cloudless and clear weather, such a glow lasts only a few minutes.

Eco-tourism and everything related to it is experiencing an incredible rise. This is due to the development of infrastructure and a change in 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 their own right, and often a unique ecosystem develops around, pleasing to the eye and giving a lot of impressions.

Waterfalls vary in size, are scattered all over the world, many legends are associated with them, both those with a factual basis and completely fantastic. Seeing at least some is a good goal for a vacation.

The highest, largest and most beautiful waterfalls in the world

List of famous, large and powerful waterfalls! Photo with names and a brief description

Iguazu

Not just 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 part of the national parks of both countries. The maximum height is 82 meters, width - 2700 meters. Between themselves, the waterfalls are separated by islands. Tourism in the surrounding area is booming. The property offers a shuttle service, souvenirs and waterproof clothing.

kayetur

Located in Guyana on the Potaro River. From here it is not so far to the border with Venezuela. Height - 226 meters, width varies from 90 to 105 meters. Belonging to the national park allowed to preserve the waterfall almost in its original form. 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.

Victoria

Located on the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia. Situated on the Zambezi River. Height - 120 meters, width - about 1800 meters. It is unique in the ratio of these two indicators. The name is received in honor of the English queen. Part of two national parks. Tourists come to enjoy the views as well as rafting through the many rapids, which are also suitable for beginner rafters.

Angel

Located in Venezuela. The approximate height is 979 meters, which makes it the 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 fog. You can get here by plane or by river. There are special tours.

Gokta

Located in Peru. Its height is 771 meters. It has an extremely small pool, so the volume of water during the fall varies depending on the amount of precipitation and the season. Surrounded by wet jungle. Rare species of birds and animals live here, some are 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.

Virginia

Located in Canada in the national park. Included in the basin of the river South Nahanni. Height mountain top, on which the waterfall is located - about 500 meters. The height of the water fall is 96 meters. Width fluctuates around 260 meters. Rainbows are a frequent sight here, they are formed from the so-called "water dust". Lots of things nearby viewing platforms, there are thermal springs.

Hanging Glacier Waterfall

Located in Chile. There are about two thousand glaciers of various sizes in the district. On one of them - the only one hanging in the world - there is a waterfall. The name is unofficial. Water falls down after melting. The intensity depends on the season. The height is about 550 meters. Belongs to the territory of the national park. It is almost impossible to get close, but from the nearby lake it opens beautiful view to the waterfall.

San Rafael

Located in Ecuador on the Quijos 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. Width - about 14 meters. At the foot lies a thick fog. It also raises a lot of spray and is very noisy. It is part of the national park, there is an observation deck.

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 get energy. Tourism is developed to the maximum. There are all kinds of excursions, various souvenirs. Observation platforms are made both near and at a sufficient distance to provide guests with the opportunity to see the entire panorama.

jog

It is located in India on the Sharavati River. It has several names associated with both origin and pronunciation: Gersoppa, Yog and others. Height - 255 meters. Such impressive dimensions are explained by belonging to mountain system Western Ghats. Consists of four cascades. It is used to generate electricity, generating power within 891 MW.

Helmcken Falls

Located in Canadian Provincial Park. Height - 42 meters. The wall behind the waterfall is partially frozen for the winter. Icicles of various sizes appear here and some kind of glacier. Climbers in especially cold periods get out here for climbs. There are several viewing platforms nearby, picnic areas and other types of outdoor recreation are equipped.

Takakkau

Located in Canada in the national park. The name is derived from the language of the natives and is translated as an expression of delight. The height from top to bottom is more than 380 meters. The intensity of the water fall is different and varies depending on the season. The waterfall feeds a lake located on a glacier and flows into the Yoho River. At the base on fine days you can often see a rainbow.

Dettifoss

It is located on the territory of Iceland on the river Jökulsau-au-Fjödlum. Included in the national park. Height - about 44 meters, width - about 100 meters. Its capacity exceeds similar indicators of other European indicators. Not typical tourist place, however, attracts travelers familiar with the topic. There are other waterfalls within a radius of a couple of kilometers.

Odegard (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 pass everywhere - you will eventually have to walk.

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 trip to the waterfall is long, although the roads are good. This explains the not too great popularity of the attraction. There are dense forests of mixed type in the district. Down below, collapses occur due to sediment, which erodes large stones.

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, rising in summer period. There are two steps, and they are located at an angle of ninety degrees to each other. Gullfoss was on the verge of destruction due to attempts to build a power plant here. Now here lies the popular a tourist route.

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 height. It has several steps, the largest is located almost in the center. The place is very picturesque: a reservoir is visible from a height, from which a waterfall is formed, spray rises below. Rocks are heterogeneous covered with greenery.

Langfossen

Located in Norway on the Vaule River. Height - 612 meters, width - 76 meters. Its base goes directly to the modern track. For this reason, they often visit the waterfall: someone on purpose, as it is easy to get there, someone passing through, even initially not knowing about this attraction. Langfossen consists of smooth cascades, which distinguishes it from most waterfalls. The power of the flow is unchanged.

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. Has numerous thresholds. The total height is within 90 meters. A power plant has been built here.

Mardalsfossen

Located in Norway. The name is derived from 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 ones, visible to the naked eye even from afar, they break the waterfall into pieces. A power station was built nearby. Disputes about the expediency of its work are still ongoing.

Vettisfossen

It is located in Norway in the valley of the Utla River. 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 stream also do not undergo any special changes. Unlike other large waterfalls in the country, Vettisfossen is not used for energy.

Ruacana

It is located in Namibia on the Kunene River. It is located almost on the border with Angola. Height - 124 meters, width - 695 meters. Since the rainy season gives way to 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 here, which not only provides the region with energy, but also saves part of the water for irrigation and sanitary needs.

Augrabis

Located in South Africa on the Orange River. The height is about 146 meters. Situated in a gorge. It is part of the national park, and it was formed specifically to preserve the waterfall and its environs. Several species of rare animals live here, including black rhinos, which were artificially re-settled here. There are several viewing platforms and comfortable climbs.

Hafragilsfoss (Hafragilsfoss)

It is located in Iceland on the river Jökulsau au Fjödlum. Is the "neighbor" of Dettifoss. Included in the national park. Height - about 27 meters, width - ranges from 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 have a good look not only at Hafragilsfoss, but also around.

Sotefossen (Søtefossen)

Located in Norway on the river Kinso. Above - bare rocks with frost, below - dense forests with moss-covered ground. Max Height- within 246 meters. The waterfall is multi-stage, has a pronounced division into segments. The nature around is included in a specially protected zone. It is not easy for tourists to get there, but the view is worth it. Human intervention is minimal.

Hunlen Falls

Located in Canada. The maximum height to the foot is 365 meters. The continuous water fall is less than 260 meters. You can get to this natural attraction both by plane (about 20 minutes from the nearest locality), or on foot (about half an hour from the road to the observation deck). There are many nearby scenic spots including Lonely Lake.

gokak

Located in India. The height of the water fall is 50 meters, the width is about 177 meters. The water level changes depending on the season. Gokak feeds the hydroelectric power plant and supplies energy to the entire district. At the foot of the mountain lies a dense fog, 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.

Twin (Twin Falls)

Located in Canada. The height is about 180 meters, but the height of the continuous fall of water is less. The width varies from 18 to 30 meters. Not far from the foot passes the railway track. There are not so many convenient points for a panoramic view of Twin, so tourists cannot fully enjoy the local beauties. Included in the national park.

bassaseachi

Located in Mexico on the river of the same name. The second largest waterfall in the country. The height is approximately 246 meters. Included in the national park. The fall of water is absolutely vertical: from the mountain to the valley. The stream is narrow, but expands near the ground, forming foam and numerous splashes. The rocks of the canyon are covered with vegetation only at the top and at the foot.

Tjorndalsfossen (Tjornadalsfossen)

It is located in Norway near Sandvinvatnet lake. The total height is about 500 meters, width is about 60 meters. For the most part, the water does not drain sharply, there are many thresholds 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.

Nevada

Located in the United States and 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 out, allowing you to get acquainted with the waterfall in detail. Its length is slightly less than four and a half kilometers. There are also parking lots and several viewing platforms.

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 crowd. Water falls down in a powerful stream directly from the canyon from a height of 94 meters. There is fog at the bottom. The width is modest, especially when compared with Niagara. Viewing platforms are equipped on different sides, some are close, others provide an opportunity to admire panoramic views.

Shoshone

Located in the USA on the Snake River. The height is 65 meters, the width is heterogeneous - 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 time of year affects the intensity of the flow and the water level. The rainbow constantly appears at the foot on sunny days.

Barron Falls

Located in Australia on the river of the same name. Height - 256 meters. The flow is heterogeneous; water flows down the gorge in separate streams. Especially a lot of water in the rainy season. When viewed from a specially equipped platform, the picture looks almost intimidating. Foamy, slightly beige-brown streams rush down, and the fog envelops the green rocks on the sides.

Snoqualmie

It is located in the United States on the river of the same name, between two mountains. Height - 82 meters. The natural attraction is popular with tourists; about one and a half million people visit it annually. Even a running power plant historical value state. It is convenient to get there, there is a parking lot, trails, there are several equidistant viewing platforms.

Vöringsfossen

Located in Norway on the Bjoreyu River. The height is 182 meters, but the water falls freely from 145 meters. The flow is not too intense, it is influenced, among other things, by seasonality and a nearby power plant. At the same time, there are restrictions on energy production and water use in order to prevent a negative impact on environment and not damage the local microclimate.

Alexandra (Alexandra Falls)

Located in Canada on the River Hay. There are many other natural beauties nearby, hiking trails, equipped with two observation decks from different sides. The flow is strong and wide. The height is approximately 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.

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 current varies 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.

Yosemite Falls

It is located in the USA on the territory of the national park of the same name - the most popular and visited in the country. Height - 739 meters. It is noteworthy that a beautiful view opens both from the lowland, directly from the road, and from observation platforms upstairs. 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 the special acoustics.

Skogafoss

It is located in Iceland on the Skougau River. Height - 60 meters, width - 25 meters. Previously approached directly coastline, now the sea has receded, making the waterfall very convenient for viewing. It is popular with tourists, in the area there are observation platforms, and souvenir products, and convenient approaches, as well as parking lots for vehicles. At the foot you can observe a rainbow, sometimes a double one.

Waterfalls of the Plitvite Lakes

They are located in Croatia on the territory of the national park. The total number of waterfalls is about thirty. The numbers are inaccurate due to the difference in assessment approaches: some researchers combine waterfalls into cascades, while others name them separately. Among the waterfalls, one can single out: Batinovachki, Galovachki, Velika cascade, as well as Sastavtsi - the most beautiful, whose height is 72 meters.

Huangguoshu

Located in China in the mountainous province of Guizhou. Since there are many mountains and reservoirs, waterfalls are also not uncommon. Huangguoshu stands out among the neighbors. Its height is 78 meters, width is approximately 101 meters. The strength of the stream 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.

Waterfalls of the Blue Nile (Tis-Ysat)

They are located in Ethiopia on the river of the same name. They have difficult to measure height and width. The top point is about 45 meters from the foot, and individual streams form a line within 400 meters. Nearby is a stone bridge built in the 17th century by the Portuguese. The cascade of waterfalls is surrounded by picturesque mountains and a green valley.

Detian

Located in China and Vietnam. During the flood, 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 see caves, a forest of water stones and other natural attractions. Excursions here are popular routes for visitors.

dunns river

Located in Jamaica in the territory natural park. The total height is 180 meters. Moreover, the current here is not rough, there are many thresholds and steps. The water flows directly into the Caribbean Sea. Tourists make hiking ascents right along the waterfall. Convenient routes help park staff and hired guides. At the foot you can swim or spend time in the shade of abundant vegetation.

Rhine Falls

Located in Switzerland on the river of the same name. Height - 23 meters, width - 150 meters. Belongs to the type of flat waterfalls. The strength of the flow in winter and summer differs significantly. You can get to the observation decks for a fee, it is different, depending on the convenience and viewing angle. Nearby there are historical and architectural sights, which complements the trip with impressions.

Ouzoud

Located in Morocco in the High Atlas Mountains. The height is approximately 110 meters. The flow of water is heterogeneous and stretched, and part of the cascade is located at an angle of ninety degrees to the main drain. Monkeys come to the waterfall at sunset. At the top, water mills were built, which are still functioning. You can get to Ouzoud through olive tree plantations.

Multnomah

Located in the USA in the Columbia River Canyon. Divided into two sections. Since the width of the threshold allows, a bridge has been 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.

Montmorency

Located in Canada. For Quebec and the whole country - a popular tourist route. For this reason, the infrastructure here is well developed to the smallest detail. Developed detailed routes lifting, but it is rather complicated. There are special bridges and tiled passages. The total height is 84 meters. The flow of water is swift, foaming from the speed of the flow and falling, a rainbow and fog form below.

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 cascades down. Since part of the year the slopes are covered with dense vegetation, and diverse, both in form and in color, the picture becomes picturesque. It is easy to get here, there are quite a lot of observation platforms, both natural and built.

Attractive in their dangerous beauty, waterfalls have always attracted attention and excited the imagination of man.

It is especially fascinating to realize that over the largest and most powerful of the bottom, such as Niagara, Victoria or Iguazu, a person has absolutely no power. They show us the beauty and power of wildlife.

Geographic feature. The meaning of waterfalls

Powerful waterfalls are an almost inexhaustible source of energy, which is widely used in the construction of hydroelectric power plants. Staying near waterfalls brings not only aesthetic pleasure, but also has a healing effect: water falling from a height forms water dust, in which negatively charged ions are formed under the influence of sunlight. Such dust, saturated with plant phytoncides, which are always in abundance near waterfalls, has a very positive effect on the body.

However, there are also contacts with waterfalls that are unpleasant for humans. Waterfalls and rapids, which cannot be curbed, are a serious obstacle to navigation. Therefore, on many rivers where there are waterfalls, navigable channels are being laid, allowing liners and ships to make a safe journey.

Characteristics and types of waterfalls

The waterfall is a water stream falling from a steep cliff. Often large waterfalls consist of a chain of small rapids and cascades. One of the features of large waterfalls is their "movement": the constant fall of water leads to the destruction of the ledge and the movement of the waterfall up the river.

It is noteworthy that almost all the powerful waterfalls of the world are located on the border of two or three states. And this is understandable, because a large waterfall is a natural insurmountable barrier that protects the territory of the state much more reliably than the most modern instruments and weapons.

Types of waterfalls:

• cataract- a large waterfall, in which the bulk of the water falls in a wide sheet from a relatively small height;
• waterfall- smooth sloping waterfall without steep overthrows of water;
• cascade- a series of waterfalls located one after another.

Origin of waterfalls

The origin of waterfalls is different. For example, they may appear due to the fact that the river crosses a natural ledge, which was formed even before the appearance of water. In another case, the appearance of a waterfall may be the result of the activity of the river itself, which erodes the soft layers of rocks.

In the mountains a large number of waterfalls owe their appearance to tectonic activity. also in mountainous areas many waterfalls that arose in hanging valleys due to an overabundance of water in rivers that came down from glaciers.

The largest waterfalls in the world

Because waterfalls vary in width, height, and amount of water they carry, there is no one that holds the title of largest. We list some of the most powerful and wide waterfalls that adorn our planet.

(Kohn waterfall)

So, the widest waterfall in the world - Kon- located on the border of Cambodia and Laos on the Mekong River. The width of the Kona runoff is more than 12.5 km. Actually, this is a cascading system of waterfalls, located in an amazing beautiful place. By the way, Kohn is also considered one of the most peaceful among the known waterfalls. Opened in 1920.

(Iguazu Falls)

The title of the most powerful waterfall in the world belongs to Iguazu, aka "Devil's Throat", on the border of Argentina and Brazil. Through the ledge of the waterfall, such an amount of water falls every minute, which is difficult to even imagine - 700 thousand m 3! Iguazu, which has 275 cascades, is not only dangerous and powerful, it is also mesmerizingly beautiful. The waterfall was discovered in 1541.

(Niagara Falls)

And, of course, one cannot fail to mention the most famous waterfalls peace - NiagaraVictoria. Niagara Falls, located on the Niagara River on the border of the USA and Canada, is relatively low - its height is only 52 m. However, due to the huge amount of water discharged and the long length, Niagara Falls is considered the most powerful in North America.

(Victoria Falls)

Waterfall Victoria, named after the Queen of Great Britain, was known to the local tribes under the name "Thundering Smoke", which, of course, is more in line with the impression it makes. The waterfall is 1800 meters wide and 128 meters high.

highest waterfall

(Angel Falls)

The highest waterfall in the world is Angel located on the Churun ​​River in beautiful Venezuela. The total height of Angel is 1054 m, the height of free fall of water is 979 m. local residents its name translates as "Waterfall of the deepest place".

Angel was discovered in 1935 by Juan Angel, a Venezuelan pilot who first flew over the waterfall, after whom it got its name.

Did you know that the height of the highest waterfall in the world is comparable to the height of 33 nine-story buildings? Interesting Facts read about the most beautiful waterfalls in the world below.

No. 10. Sutherland Falls, New Zealand

Sutherland Falls is one of the highest waterfalls in Oceania. Its height is 580 meters. The waterfall is located in one of the most picturesque corners New Zealand - on the territory of the Fiordland National Park, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The source of the waterfall Mountain Lake, which flows into the Arthur River and overthrows in a powerful stream from the top of the Southern Alps.

No. 9. Dettifoss waterfall, Iceland

Iceland is known for its beautiful waterfalls, lakes, geysers and glaciers. One of the most famous and beautiful waterfalls in Iceland is the Dettifos waterfall, which is considered the most powerful waterfall in Europe.

The waterfall is located on the territory of the Jokulsaurglyuvur National Park, and is a continuation of the Jokulsaurgljuvur River.

Among the meager arid landscape, the waterfall looks like a real miracle. The width of Dettifoss is about 100 m, the height is 44 m (9 m less than Niagara Falls), the average water flow is 193 m³ / s, during floods - up to 600 m³ / s.

No. 8. Gullfoss waterfall, Iceland

The Gullfoss waterfall is located in the southwest of Iceland in the canyon of the Hvita River. Gullfoss means "Golden Waterfall" in translation.

Gullfoss is a huge waterfall located on a cliff mountain range. The waterfall has a unique shape and structure. It is formed by three separate levels and two cascades. The height of the upper level is 11 meters, and the lower level is 21 m. The depth of the gorge is 70 m.

The volume of water passing through Gullfoss averages 109 m3/s and rises to 130 m3/s in summer. During large floods, this figure increases many times over.

No. 7. Kaieteur waterfall, Guyana

Kaieteur Falls is one of the most powerful and beautiful waterfalls in the world. Kaieteur is located on the Potaro River in Guyana. The height of the falls is 226 meters, which is 5 times higher than Niagara Falls and 2 times higher than Victoria Falls.

No. 6. Yosemite Falls, California

Yosemite Falls is located in California in the national park of the same name. This waterfall is one of the tallest waterfalls in North America and the 20th highest in the world. Yosemite is 739 meters high. The height of the upper, reaching the first terrace of the Upper Yosemite Falls, is 435 meters, and the middle and lower falls are 206 and 98 meters high, respectively.

No. 5. Angel Falls, Venezuela

Angel - the highest waterfall in the world! Angel height - 979 meters, width - 107 m, flow rate - 300 m3 / s. The falls were named after aviator James Angel, who flew over the falls in 1933.

The waterfall is located in the Canaima National Park in the tropical forests of Venezuela. The waterfall falls from the top of Mount Auyantepui. The height of the fall of the water is so great that only fog reaches the ground.

No. 4. Sastavci waterfall, Croatia

The Sastavci waterfall is the largest and most beautiful waterfall in the Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia. Perfectly clear turquoise water falls from a height of 72 meters.

No. 3. Niagara Falls, USA/Canada

Niagara Falls is located on the Niagara River, which carries the waters of 4 of the 5 Great Lakes of America. Niagara Falls is considered the most powerful in North America due to the volume of water passing through it.

Niagara Falls are three waterfalls: American Falls (from the American side), a small 20 meter Veil Falls and Horseshoe or Canadian Falls (from the Canadian side).

The height of the waterfall is 51 meters. The total length of the waterfall is 1150 meters, of which 323 meters is the American Falls and 792 meters is the Horseshoe.

No. 2. Victoria Falls, Zambia/Zimbabwe

Victoria Falls is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world! This wonder of the world was discovered by the Scottish traveler and African explorer David Livingston in 1855.

Victoria Falls is located on the Zambezi River. The width of the waterfall is 1800 meters, the height is 107 meters. Hundreds of millions of liters of water per minute fall with a roar to the bottom of the gorge. The noise from the waterfall is heard at a distance of 20-30 km.

Victoria refers to objects world heritage UNESCO.

No. 1. Iguazu Falls, Brazil/Argentina

Iguazu consists of 275 waterfalls, with a total width of more than 3 km, and a height of 82 m. The noise from the waterfall is heard 20-25 km away. Iguazu is located on the border of Brazil and Argentina, two rivers form a waterfall - Iguazu and Parana.

This is a unique spectacle. The Indians gave the name of the waterfall "iguazu" - "big water". Of the Europeans, it was first discovered by the Spanish conquistador don Alvaro Nunez Caseso in 1541.
Igusau Falls is considered the eighth wonder of the world; tens of thousands of tourists come here every year.