Niagara Falls The World's Most Spectacular Waterfalls

Niagara Falls

The Niagara Falls are voluminous waterfalls on the Niagara River, straddling the international border between the Canadian province of Ontario and the U.S. state of New York. The falls are 17 miles (27 km) north-northwest of Buffalo, New York and 75 miles (120 km) south-southeast of Toronto, Ontario, between the twin cities of Niagara Falls, Ontario, and Niagara Falls, New York.

Niagara Falls is composed of two major sections separated by Goat Island: Horseshoe Falls, the majority of which lies on the Canadian side of the border, and American Falls on the American side. The smaller Bridal Veil Falls are also located on the American side, separated from the main falls by Luna Island.

Niagara Falls were formed when glaciers receded at the end of the Wisconsin glaciation (the last ice age), and water from the newly formed Great Lakes carved a path through the Niagara Escarpment en route to the Atlantic Ocean. While not exceptionally high, the Niagara Falls are very wide. More than 6 million cubic feet (168,000 m³) of water falls over the crest line every minute in high flow,and almost 4 million cubic feet (110,000 m³) on average. It is the most powerful waterfall in North America.

The Niagara Falls are renowned both for their beauty and as a valuable source of hydroelectric power. Managing the balance between recreational, commercial, and industrial uses has been a challenge for the stewards of the falls since the 1800s

Niagara Falls History

There are differing theories as to the origin of the name of the falls. According to Iroquoian scholar Bruce Trigger, "Niagara" is derived from the name given to a branch of the locally residing native Neutral Confederacy, who are described as being called the "Niagagarega" people on several late 17th century French maps of the area.

Niagara Falls
Location :Niagara Falls
(Ontario, Canada & New York, USA)
Coordinates :43°04′48″N 79°04′16″W / 43.080°N 79.071°W / 43.080; -79.071 (Niagara Falls)Coordinates: 43°04′48″N 79°04′16″W / 43.080°N 79.071°W / 43.080; -79.071 (Niagara Falls)
Type :Segmented Block
Total height :167 ft (52 m)
Number of drops :3; Horseshoe Falls, American Falls & Bridal Veil Falls

Watercourse :Niagara River

Niagara Falls The World's Most Spectacular Waterfalls