Water, the element most abundant in the world, is also quite capable of destroying solid rocks over the years, creating impressive waterfalls. Some are very high, others are quite wide and noisy, there are whole systems of intricate water paths, consisting of falls, rapids and islands. Here are ten of them, located all over the world.
Angel Falls
Discovered by pilot James Angel, Angel Falls is the highest waterfall on Earth. The water of river Churum drops down 979 meters in what is one of the most unique and exhilarating sights you'll ever see. Also one of the quieter ones, considering the water drops from so high near the end of its journey it looks like fine white mist. If you ever plan to visit this beautiful waterfall it is best to do it during the rainy season(May - November). During the dry period(December - April) infrequent rains will make Angel Falls look like a very thin string of water.
Niagara Falls
Niagara falls is perhaps the most famous waterfall in the world. It is actually a collection of three waterfalls(Horseshoe, American and Bridal Veil), which are located at the border of Canada and USA. The waterfalls were formed after big glaciers receded at the end of the last Ice Age. Their existence is closely related to the Great Lakes, another awesome American natural attraction. The waterfalls are not very high(only about 50 meters) but they are very wide and strong. Their roar can be heard long before you can see them. Niagara Falls is beautiful and powerful - both a tourist attraction and a source of hydroelectric power.
Horsetail Fall
This waterfall, located in Yosemite National Park, California, wouldn't be so impressive if it wasn't for a very interesting natural phenomenon which happens in February. When evening falls, it turns the water from the waterfall into an orange "lavafall" . Horsetail Fall is one of the most photographed waterfalls in the world. The constant attempts to capture its beauty have given us stunning photos to look at. Surely its location being an easily accessible National Park helps its popularity.
Iguazu Falls
Frequently compared to Niagara Falls and Victoria Falls this wide waterfall is located at the border between Argentina and Brazil. What makes this waterfall so unique are the numerous small islands, which divide him into many small waterfalls. More than 200 in fact, depending on the water level. The height of the various waterfalls is from 60 to 82 meters and the edge, from which they are falling, is 2.7 kilometers long. Iguazu Falls and the chasm, in which they fall, called Devil's Throat, are a great tourist attraction. A lot of time will be needed to see them all. They will also constantly change throughout the year, offering a new experience on each visit.
Plitvice Waterfalls
Small Croatia has its natural wonders too. The Plitvice Lakes is a large system, divided into Upper and Lower lakes, separated by a lake called Jezero Kozjak. It will definitely take some time to explore, a whole day if you are rushing, but the trip is definitely worth it. There is just so much water! Beautiful lakes are separated by even more beautiful waterfalls. No matter where you go there will always be a natural wonder to look at. It is a great place to visit as long as you don't mind walking a lot.
Sutherland Falls
Another waterfall, born from glacier activity, is a main attraction in New Zealand. The water falls in three steps and the combined height of the waterfall is 580 meters, which amusingly enough is not the highest waterfall in New Zealand. The country, in fact, has many beautiful waterfalls to see. Problem is that most of them are located in the backcountry and the paths, leading to them, are extremely difficult, even dangerous, to access. This one however is quite easy to visit. It is connected to a popular hiking trail and can also be seen from the air. Top priority for tourists.
Khone Phapheng Falls
Also called the Asia Niagara Falls, Khone Phapheng Falls are located in southern Laos close to the border with Cambodia. They are not particularly high, only about 21 meters at their highest, but boy are they violent! The river Mekong is not a nice place to be during the rainy season. The rapids stretch to about 10 km in length, the water is dirty yellow and its force is so significant whole trees are uprooted, and thrown downstream. About 4000 islands and waterways give the place its charm and uniqueness, coupled with the constantly evolving landscape. Trying to brave the falls while inside of a barrel is not recommended.
Victoria Falls
Perhaps the most impressive waterfall in the world roars at the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. The width of the river Zambezi at Victoria Falls is 1.708 meters and while this doesn't make it the widest waterfall in the world it does make it the world's largest sheet of falling water. It is twice the height of Niagara falls(108 meters) and twice the width of each of its three parts. The falling water is so powerful it creates mist, which can be seen from 20 kilometers away. The mist creates its own rainforest ecosystem. Several hundred thousand tourists visit "the smoke that thunders" each year, basking into its titanic beauty.
Gullfoss Waterfall
Glacial lake Langjokull gives birth to this beautiful Iceland waterfall. Gullfoss means golden falls, and indeed the water, falling from about 32 meters, looks golden in the sunlight. The crevice, in which the waterfall disappears, is obscured from view initially, which creates the impression that Gulfoss simply disappears into the ground. The waterfall itself plunges into the crevice in two steps, first step is 11 meters high and the second one is 21. Geysers can also be seen around this natural wonder.
Blood Falls
An orange waterfall is very strange but what about a bloody red one? It does exist and it is located in Antarctica. The Taylor glacier bleeds very slowly and it is truly one of the strangest sights on Earth. But is it really blood? Of course not, the iron rich hypersaline water comes from an ancient ecosystem, which survived under the thick ice. Imagine all these microbes being trapped there but continuing to survive under such harsh conditions. It is strange indeed and perhaps the one waterfall you wouldn't want to see in person.
