How high is Niagara Falls. What is the maximum height of Niagara Falls? Niagara Falls: excursion, photos and reviews from tourists. Excursions at Niagara Falls
Niagara is a river that is one of the major water streams of North America. One can envy her beauty. After all, this is not a simple channel flowing through the area. The uniqueness of the river is that it has many waterfalls. They are known all over the world. A lot of people strive to come here at least once to see this unearthly beauty with their own eyes.
Description of Niagara (briefly)
Many people are interested in where exactly the Niagara River is located and from which lake it flows. The watercourse originates from the River is geographical boundary between the United States of America and Canada. In the United States, the Niagara flows in the state of New York, and in Canada its banks are located on the border of the province of Ontario. The length of the river is 56 km, the flow is directed mainly to the north, the volume of water is 665 thousand square meters. km. But what lake does the Niagara River flow into? As can already be understood from the information described above, the water flow ends its path in Canada. It flows into
Hydronym
The name of the river came to us from the Indians living in this territory. In the Iroquois language it was called Ongiara, literally translated as “land in half.” This was mainly due to the fact that in the upper reaches the Niagara is divided into two branches, due to which islands were formed. Some of them belong to the United States (Grand Island) and one belongs to Canada (Navi Island).
A little history
Niagara is a river that is more than 6,000 years old. Her story can safely be called unique. During this time, many significant events occurred. The activity of the last ice sheet in North America also formed the Niagara River. The glacier, descending from the top, pushed the stone blocks apart, forming furrows. This is how these reservoirs arose. When the last period ended, the stream moved along these furrows and buried itself in the rapids, forming a system of waterfalls under the force of the water.
Niagara Falls
Niagara is a special river, if only because it has waterfalls. Thanks to the connection, you can enjoy these beauties. is rightfully considered one of the most beautiful on the planet. It has a complex system of thresholds, so a canal, the Welland, was artificially built to bypass it.
The “Niagara Miracle” is not a single site, but a complex consisting of several places where it drops sharply from a fairly large height river water. Together they form a single wide system of waterfalls. The height of the cliffs varies significantly. Highest points of these waterfalls is more than 50 m (located beyond the Canadian border), and the height of those located in America is 21 m. This difference in indicators is due to the fact that in the 50s of the last century, a cliff occurred on the site of the American waterfalls, forming the foot of a stone pile.
The importance of waterfalls for countries
This complex consists of three waterfalls - the American, Canadian “Horseshoe” and a section called “Veil”. Their width spans more than 1,000 m, and the power of the flow allows it to be used to generate hydroelectric power. Due to the fact that Niagara is a river with character, several significant hydroelectric power plants were built under its falls.
River waters were first used as a source of energy at the end of the 18th century. Small farmers and entrepreneurs built small canals and supplied their businesses with electricity. But already on a large scale, strong water flow began to be used in late XIX centuries after Tesla's invention of the alternating current generator. Currently, factories and enterprises have been built at the foot of the waterfalls that successfully use water energy.
The value of the Niagara water stream
Understanding where the Niagara River is is very important, since several cities are located on its deep banks:
- Niagara Falls, Buffalo, Lewis - in the United States.
- Fort Erie and Niagra Falls - off the coast of Canada.
The river, together with the waterfalls, has enormous economic value for these two countries. This place is also popular among tourists, which brings considerable income to the treasury of states.
Shipping
The Niagara River is deep and suitable for heavy navigable ships. But because of the waterfall, the path is interrupted. To solve the problem, a special canal was built to bypass the cliff, which, since the 1960s, has allowed ships to travel along the river from Atlantic Ocean and to the Great Lakes territory and back. Now, annually the total amount of cargo transported along this route reaches 40 million tons.
The canal has a modern equipment system, equipped with 8 shipping locks that can control the water level and ensures a comfortable transition from one water basin to another.
Tourism
Undoubtedly, waterfalls are very popular in the tourist aspect.
Every year millions of holidaymakers from all over globe come to see the miracle of nature. For this purpose, a powerful infrastructure has been developed here. Tourists have the opportunity to take a tour of the waterfall by helicopter or hot-air balloon. Built here a large number of observation platforms and towers. Even at night they conduct excursions, when the waterfalls shimmer with multi-colored lanterns and spotlights.
The most popular “attraction” at Niagara Falls is a walk under the falling waters on special boats.
Niagara Falls is one of the oldest nature reserves USA.
Not only beauty lovers are eager to go on excursions here, but also people thirsting for extreme sports. So, in 1901, an ordinary elementary school teacher Mrs. Taylor, on her 63rd birthday, decided to jump from a waterfall in a wooden barrel. Subsequently, her act was included in the Guinness Book of Records.
Now the laws of Canada and the USA prohibit going down the waterfall by any means, but this does not stop daredevils.
One of the most beautiful natural phenomena in the world is Niagara Falls. It fascinates with its majesty and power. Hundreds of travelers from all over the world come every day to where this amazing and unique natural monument is located.
General information about Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls is a complex consisting of three waterfalls. It is located on the border of two states: the USA (New York State) and Canada (Ontario Province) on the river of the same name. The coordinates of this place are 43.0834 degrees north latitude and 79.0663 degrees west longitude. The waterfall connects the lakes that are part of the Great North American Lakes system: Erie and Ontario. On the coast of the Niagara River near the falls on both sides of the country there are two cities with the same name, Niagara Falls. 
When going to Niagara Falls, you should think about your route in advance, since there are two ways to get here: by flying to New York, or by flying to the Canadian city of Toronto. Excursions are organized from both cities, but it is not at all necessary to take them, since you can get there on your own on regular buses.
Each of the three Niagara Cascades has its own name. The waterfalls located in the United States are called “American” and “Fata”. Horseshoe Falls is located in Canada. 
Cascades of water rush down from a height of just over 50 meters, but the visible part is only 21 meters due to the pile of stones at the foot. Niagara is not included highest waterfalls world, but due to the huge volumes of water passing through it, it is considered one of the most powerful on Earth. In one second, it passes through more than 5.5 thousand cubic meters of water. The width of the Horseshoe waterfall is 792 meters, and the American one is 323 meters. 
The climate in the waterfall area is temperate continental. In summer it is quite warm and sometimes hot here, in winter the temperature is sub-zero and the waterfall partially freezes. You can come here all year round, because in any season it is beautiful here in its own way. 
The waters of Niagara are actively used to provide energy to nearby areas of Canada and the United States. Several hydroelectric power stations have been built on the banks of the river. 
History of origin and name
The Niagara River and the Great North American Lakes appeared about 6,000 years ago. Their formation was provoked by the Wisconsin glaciation. As a result of the movement of the glacier, which swept away everything in its path, the topography of this area completely changed. The beds of the rivers flowing in those parts were filled up, and in some cases, on the contrary, they were expanded. After the glaciers began to melt, water from the Great Lakes began to flow into Niagara. The rocks forming its bottom were soft in places, so the water eroded them, forming a steep cliff - and this is how the famous natural landmark in the form of a waterfall appeared. 
The first mentions of Niagara Falls date back to the beginning of the 17th century. In 1604, the mainland on which the waterfall is located was visited by the expedition of Samuel de Champlain. He later described this natural site in his journal from the words of other trip participants. Champlain personally did not see the waterfall. Six decades later it was compiled detailed description Niagara Falls by Catholic monk Louis Hennepin traveling to North America.
The word "Niagara" is literally translated from the Iroquois Indian language as "roar of water." It is believed that the waterfall is named after the indigenous people who lived nearby, the Onigara tribe.
Extreme or madness
Since the time when it became fashionable to travel, or rather from the beginning of the 19th century, tourists began to flock to the shores of Niagara Falls. Some of them wanted not only to see a unique natural wonder, but also to try to walk through it. 
The first person to do this was American stuntman Sam Patch. He jumped into the Niagara River at the very base of the falls in November 1929 and survived. Sam was preparing for the jump; information about the upcoming trick appeared long before it was performed. According to his plans, a lot of people were supposed to attend the event. However, bad weather marred the stuntman’s “performance”. Not many people gathered, and the fee received did not suit Patch. Therefore, exactly one week later, he promised to repeat the jump. However, the daredevil's second attempt to conquer Niagara ended sadly. Sam did not resurface, and his body was found only several months later. 
In 1901, 63-year-old American extreme sportswoman Annie Taylor decided to climb the waterfall while sitting in a barrel. So in an unusual way the lady wanted to celebrate her birthday. The woman managed to survive, and her name went down in history. 
After this incident, thrill-seekers periodically tried to conquer Niagara Falls. The authorities even had to impose a ban on such stunts. However, daredevils every now and then threw themselves from the waterfall. Many of them died, and those who survived were fined.
An interesting fact is miraculous salvation a seven-year-old boy named Roger Woodward who was accidentally swept into Niagara Falls. He was only wearing a life jacket, but nevertheless the child managed to survive.
Excursions and entertainment
Mostly tourists come to Niagara to visit the waterfall itself. This can be done both from America and from Canada. There are several observation platforms here from which you can take stunning photos of the water flowing down. The most impressive pictures can be seen from the Table Rock observation deck. 
Those who want to take a closer look at the attraction and even feel the spray of the jets should take a ride on pleasure boats. Tourists are taken in turn to each of the three cascades. Before boarding the pleasure boat, everyone is given a raincoat, but even this will not save you from the powerful jets of Niagara Falls. The most spectacular sight to see is the Horseshoe Falls. 
Another excursion that will certainly be memorable takes travelers behind the waterfall. You can also fly over this unique natural object by helicopter or hot air balloon. The only problem similar entertainment– quite a high price. 
You should definitely take a walk along the Rainbow Bridge, located a few hundred meters from the main attraction of Niagara. In clear weather, the bridge can be seen from observation platforms.
The Niagara Falls region is home to museums, national monuments, and parkland. Queen Victoria Park is especially popular among tourists. It is located in Canada. Here you can walk among flowers and trees, sit in a cafe and see the main attraction of this area from the observation deck. 
Nearby museums are devoted mainly to the history of the discovery and interesting facts related to Niagara Falls. In them you can see a collection of objects on which desperate daredevils tried to conquer the waterfall. And wax figures people whose lives are in one way or another connected with the famous natural monument.
Niagara Falls is also interesting to see at night. In the dark, the real thing happens here light show. The jets are illuminated in different colors using spotlights. All this looks truly fabulous. 
IN winter time The waterfall is no less beautiful. Niagara is a partially frozen waterfall. Only its edges are covered with ice. In the middle of the cascade, water continues to cascade down all year round. During all this time known history The waterfall froze completely three times due to abnormally low temperatures. Of course, you won’t be able to take a boat ride to Niagara in winter, but at this time of year you can watch a colorful fireworks festival here. These days the illumination of the waterfalls is on almost around the clock, and multi-colored fireworks lights soar into the sky. 
Niagara Falls is one of the most impressive and striking natural features in the world. Its beauty will not leave even the most experienced tourists indifferent. Once at its foot, it is impossible not to feel all the strength and power of this natural phenomenon. Developed infrastructure close to the object will allow you to spend a vivid trip and remember it for a lifetime.
Having visited this virtual tour(Did you like it?) Let me tell you more about the waterfall. Especially . Or maybe they didn’t know some interesting details about one of the most famous ones. Test yourself... Niagara Falls (or Niagara) is the most famous waterfall in the United States and one of America's most popular tourist attractions. It is located on the link between Lakes Erie and Ontario (and separating American state New York from Canada) the Niagara River is about thirty kilometers from the city of Buffalo. On both banks of the river, Canadian and American, they grew small towns with the same names - Niagara Falls ("Niagara Falls"). The name of the famous waterfall comes from the language of the Iroquois Indians who lived here and, according to different versions, means either “dividing in half” or, more poetically, “thundering water.” 
Niagara Falls appeared several thousand years ago, when streams of water formed as a result of the melting of a retreating glacier washed their channel in soft sandstones. The Niagara River cut a deep gorge through them until harder rock was exposed. This is how it turned out to be a cliff from which thousands of tons of water fall down. The characteristic greenish color of Niagara is due precisely to the high content of rock particles dissolved in the waters of the river. 
Babbitt, Platt D., d. 1879. Many historians agree that in 1677, Catholic priest Louis Hennepin was the first European to visit the waterfall. There is even documentary evidence - the records of the priest himself, who described the miracle of nature in all its glory. Already in the next few decades most of the lands near the waterfalls were purchased by Europeans. It is believed that over ten thousand years the waterfall rose approximately eleven kilometers upstream, a movement that continues today at a rate of about thirty centimeters per year. Scientists estimate that in about fifty thousand years the cliff will reach Lake Erie and Niagara Falls will cease to exist. 
As can be clearly seen from the aerial photograph, Niagara is a complex of waterfalls, the total width of which is more than a kilometer. Goat (Goat) Island divides the river into two branches, forming the “Canadian” and “American” parts of the waterfall. The Canadian side of the falls is called because of the characteristic "Horseshoe" shape, on the US side small island The moon separates a narrow strip of Veil Falls from American Falls. 
The majority of Niagara's water (up to 90%) flows through Horseshoe Falls. The width of the waterfall is about 670 meters, the depth in the central part is about 3 meters. Streams of water cross the crest of the waterfall at a speed of about 32 kilometers per hour and fall 53 meters down. 
The width of the American Falls is about 250 meters, the depth of the river at the crest is about 60 centimeters. Numerous rockfalls have formed a huge rock embankment at the foot of the waterfall, so the height of the water fall here is much lower than at the Horseshoe - from 21 to 34 meters. Next to the American Falls is the smallest of the Niagara Falls - Veil. Its width is only 17 meters and its height is 24 meters. 
Since Niagara is one of the most powerful waterfalls in the world, the total volume of water passing through it is 5,720 m³/s during periods of greatest activity. It is not surprising that such a strong flow of water from the Niagara River constantly erodes the ledge and brings a lot of sand and stones to its foot. Until now, due to erosion, the waterfalls have gradually retreated south at a rate of 0.6 to 3.0 meters annually. This process was initially slowed by increased flow of water from the Niagara River to hydroelectric power plants in the United States and Canada located on the same escarpment, but by the early twentieth century the rate of erosion had increased again. Therefore, on January 2, 1929, the two countries entered into an agreement, the purpose of which was to stop the destruction of the falls. However, it was finally signed only in 1950, after which work began to stop the erosion. 
In June 1969, the US Army Corps of Engineers built a temporary dam and drained the US side of Niagara. This was done to survey and strengthen the rapidly collapsing waterfall. Already in November of the same year, the dam was blown up and the river returned to its channel. Interestingly, the “dry” Niagara Falls even attracted more tourists, than usual. 
Over five years, the US Army Corps of Engineers built a 180-meter dam across the Niagara River, which diverted water from the American half to the Canadian half. Interestingly, 27,800 tons of stones were placed in this dam - more than in any US structure at that time. As a result, on June 12, 1969, the American part of the waterfall stopped for the first time in 12 thousand years. Thousands of tourists flocked to the drained falls to admire this unusual spectacle, giving an opportunity to see in detail the ledge along which the waters of Niagara flowed for many thousands of years. 
Apparently, it was then that these historical photographs were taken, which until recently were stored in a shoebox in the garage of an American couple, until the husband of their daughter, Pacc Glasson, accidentally discovered them. If you carefully examine these photographs, you can see that the slope and bottom of the waterfall look like a rocky desert. Particularly striking are the piles of stones in the central part of the slope - these are traces of the collapses of 1931 and 1954. 
As a matter of fact, it was precisely them that were planned to be removed in the first place. However, by November 1969 it became clear that this was unlikely to succeed, since the funds allocated for clearing the slope of stones had almost run out. Therefore, it was decided to stop “dismantling the rubble” and see what else could be done to save the waterfall. 
As a result, military engineers examined the river bottom, after which they tightened and secured with special bolts a number of faults in order to slow down the erosion process. After which the temporary dam holding back the flow of water was blown up. On November 25, water again rushed into the waterfall in a volume of 170 thousand cubic meters per minute. American media reported that this process was watched by 2,650 spectators. 
Since then, the waterfall has not been drained. True, the threat of its disappearance, sadly enough, still persists. According to scientists, every year the waterfall moves upstream by one meter. At the same time, they believe that the waterfall has existed for about 50,000 years and during this time it has moved upstream 7 miles, that is, almost 10 km, and after 20,000 years the waterfall will come close to Lake Erie and disappear. It is also sad that along with its disappearance the lake itself will dry up. Unique video - Niagara 1969 
More water flows through Niagara Falls than any other waterfall in North America (up to 5,700,000 liters per second). The energy of this stream is successfully used to produce electricity, so Niagara is not only the object of attention of many tourists, but also very important factor for the New York State economy. 
The first power plant in Niagara was built back in 1881. It was modernized several times and was successfully used until 1951, when it was destroyed by a landslide. 
Already in 1957, the US Congress decided to build a new hydroelectric power station on the Niagara River, one of the largest in the world at that time. In 1961, construction was completed, and the new hydroelectric power station was named after Robert Moses, a famous New York architect of the mid-20th century. Water for the operation of the power plant is taken upstream from the waterfall and discharged downstream. 
Millions of tourists visit Niagara Falls every year. At their service cable car, observation decks and towers, paths and galleries for pedestrians, helicopter tours and even a hot air balloon. In summer, after dark and until midnight, the waterfalls are illuminated by colored spotlights. But the most popular tourist attraction for more than one hundred and fifty years has been a trip under the waterfalls on pleasure boats, which traditionally bear the name “Maiden of the Mist.” Tours depart from both the Canadian and American sides of the falls, and it is on them that tourists, hiding from the spray and fog under capes, can fully appreciate the power and beauty of Niagara. The Niagara Falls area has the status of a state protected area - it is the oldest nature reserve in New York State, created back in 1885. 
Niagara Falls attracts many daredevils - “extreme enthusiasts”. Back in 1829, Rhode Island native Sam Patch became famous after jumping into Niagara Falls. In 1859, the Frenchman Charles Blondin became the first person to cross from shore to shore on a rope stretched at a height of about fifty meters above the Niagara Gorge. On October 24, 1901, Michigan schoolteacher Annie Taylor became the first person to ride over Niagara Falls in a barrel and survive. In this original way, Annie Taylor celebrated her sixty-third birthday, and at the same time made history. 
Annie Taylor's trick haunted her many followers. The first to repeat her original feat was Bobby Leach in 1911. If Annie “dived” into the waterfall in an oak barrel, albeit specially reinforced with steel and upholstered with soft material, then Leach used a steel one. After falling from a waterfall, he was seriously injured and spent six months in the hospital. Attempting to descend Niagara Falls is illegal in both the USA and Canada, however, more and more daredevils appear from time to time who want to become famous in this way. 
Now the waterfall is a favorite place to visit for tourists, not only American, but from other countries. In addition, hydroelectric power stations have been operating on it since 1896. At the end of the 19th century, giant underground pipelines were built, connected to turbines that could generate energy of up to 100,000 horsepower (75 megawatts). Today the power of these power plants is even higher. 
It is believed that between 50% and 75% of all the water passing through Niagara is diverted through four huge tunnels located much upstream from the falls themselves. The water then passes through hydroelectric turbines, which power nearby areas of the United States and Canada before returning back to the river below the falls. 
Global development threatens natural beauty these places. Many businessmen, having bought the land, charged tourists for the right to look at the waterfalls. 
All this could not last long, and as a result of popular discontent, the Free Niagara movement was created. The goal of the movement was to preserve the original appearance of the area near the waterfalls. The reverse process began: New York State began purchasing the land around the waterfalls from the previous owners. 
But what a beautiful view from the windows of these buildings! source
(or Niagara listen)) is the most famous waterfall in the United States and one of America's most popular tourist attractions.
It is located on the Niagara River, connecting Lakes Erie and Ontario (and separating the American state of New York from Canada), about thirty kilometers from the city of Buffalo. On both banks of the river, Canadian and American, small cities with the same names grew up - Niagara Falls ("Niagara Falls").
The name of the famous waterfall comes from the language of the Iroquois Indians who lived here and, according to different versions, means either “dividing in half” or, more poetically, “thundering water.”
Niagara Falls appeared several thousand years ago, when streams of water formed as a result of the melting of a retreating glacier washed their channel in soft sandstones. The Niagara River cut a deep gorge through them until harder rock was exposed. This is how it turned out to be a cliff from which thousands of tons of water fall down. The characteristic greenish color of Niagara is due precisely to the high content of rock particles dissolved in the waters of the river.
It is believed that over ten thousand years the waterfall rose approximately eleven kilometers upstream, a movement that continues today at a rate of about thirty centimeters per year. Scientists estimate that in about fifty thousand years the cliff will reach Lake Erie and Niagara Falls will cease to exist.
Bird's eye view of Niagara Falls
As can be clearly seen from the aerial photograph, Niagara is a complex of waterfalls, the total width of which is more than a kilometer. Goat (Goat) Island divides the river into two branches, forming the “Canadian” and “American” parts of the waterfall. The Canadian part of the waterfall is called because of the characteristic shape of the “Horseshoe”; on the US side, the small island of Luna separates a narrow strip of the Veil Falls from the “American Falls”.
The majority of Niagara's water (up to 90%) flows through Horseshoe Falls. The width of the waterfall is about 670 meters, the depth in the central part is about 3 meters. Streams of water cross the crest of the waterfall at a speed of about 32 kilometers per hour and fall 53 meters down.
The width of the American Falls is about 250 meters, the depth of the river at the crest is about 60 centimeters. Numerous rockfalls have formed a huge rock embankment at the foot of the waterfall, so the height of the water fall here is much lower than at the Horseshoe - from 21 to 34 meters.
Next to the American Falls is the smallest of the Niagara Falls - Veil. Its width is only 17 meters and its height is 24 meters.
Canadian Horseshoe of Niagara Falls
American part of Niagara Falls and "Veil"
In June 1969, the US Army Corps of Engineers built a temporary dam and drained the US side of Niagara. This was done in order to survey and strengthen the rapidly collapsing waterfall. Already in November of the same year, the dam was blown up and the river returned to its channel. Interestingly, the “dry” Niagara Falls attracted even more tourists than usual.
"Dry" Niagara Falls
Sometimes, during particularly harsh winters, Niagara Falls partially or completely freezes over. "Ice Falls" is also a very unusual sight.
Frozen Niagara Falls, 1913
Excursion boat "Maiden of the Mist" at Niagara Falls Millions of tourists visit Niagara Falls every year. They offer a cable car, observation platforms and towers, paths and galleries for pedestrians, excursions by helicopter and even a hot air balloon. In summer, after dark and until midnight, the waterfalls are illuminated by colored spotlights.
But the most popular tourist attraction for more than one hundred and fifty years has been a trip under the waterfalls on pleasure boats, which traditionally bear the name “Maiden of the Mist.” Tours depart from both the Canadian and American sides of the falls, and it is on them that tourists, hiding from the spray and fog under capes, can fully appreciate the power and beauty of Niagara.
The Niagara Falls area has the status of a state protected area - it is the oldest nature reserve in New York State, created back in 1885.
More water flows through Niagara Falls than any other waterfall in North America (up to 5,700,000 liters per second). The energy of this stream is successfully used to produce electricity, so that Niagara is not only the object of attention of many tourists, but also a very important factor for the economy of the state of New York.
The first power plant in Niagara was built back in 1881. It was modernized several times and was successfully used until 1951, when it was destroyed by a landslide. Already in 1957, the US Congress decided to build a new hydroelectric power station on the Niagara River, one of the largest in the world at that time. In 1961, construction was completed, and the new hydroelectric power station was named after the famous New York city planner Robert Moses. Water for the operation of the power plant is taken upstream from the waterfall and discharged downstream.
Niagara Falls attracts many daredevils - “extreme enthusiasts”. Back in 1829, Rhode Island native Sam Patch became famous after jumping into Niagara Falls. In 1859, the Frenchman Charles Blondin became the first person to cross from shore to shore on a rope stretched at a height of about fifty meters above the Niagara Gorge.
Niagara Falls is the most famous waterfall in the world, and quite deservedly so - after all, the spectacle is simply indescribable...
It is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world, along with the African Victoria Falls and the Argentine monster Iguazu. It is located on the border between the USA and Canada, and the interesting thing is that the water falls from the territory of the USA, but it is visible from Canada, that is, Canadians make money from the spectacle :) Downstream there is a “Rainbow Bridge”, open to the movement of passenger vehicles and pedestrians between two countries
The roar of the waterfall can be heard at a distance of many kilometers, especially at night, so a person standing near Niagara itself does not hear anything (hence the name, because in Indian “Niagara” means “rumbling water”)
Indian legend tells about beautiful girl Lelavalae, whom her father betrothed to an Indian warrior whom she did not love and despised. She chose to sacrifice herself to her true love, the thunder god He-No, who lived in a cave under the Horseshoe waterfall, over marriage. She steered her canoe into the swift flow of the Niagara River and threw herself from the heights of the falls. He-No caught her in flight, and from that time on their souls began to live together in the sanctuary of the Thunder God under the waterfall
Actually Niagara Falls is a common name three waterfalls on the Niagara River, separating the American state of New York from the Canadian province of Ontario. Two waterfalls delight tourists, and the third - electric power workers:) Niagara Falls are the Horseshoe Falls, sometimes also called the Canadian Falls, the American Falls and the Veil Falls. Although the height difference is not very great, the falls are very wide, and in terms of the volume of water passing through it, Niagara Falls is the most powerful in North America
Already in 1881, the energy generated by the waterfall illuminated nearby villages. And then, giant underground pipelines were created, connected to turbines, the energy of which was enough to supply a city located 32 kilometers away. American city Buffalo. On this moment power plants generate up to 4.4 gigawatts of electricity
In October 1829, Sam Pache, who called himself Yankee Leaper, jumped from Horseshoe Falls and became the first famous person who survived the fall. This started a long tradition of daredevils trying to get through the falls and stay alive. In 1901, 63-year-old Annie Taylor became the first person to throw herself from a waterfall in a barrel and survive. Since then, 14 other people have deliberately attempted to cross the falls. Some survived, others either drowned or were seriously maimed. Survivors were subject to heavy fines due to violation of the law, both Canadian and American
More interesting fact. Due to erosion, the waterfalls gradually changed the shape of their channel, and in 1969, to carry out work to strengthen the slopes at the top of the waterfall, the river was completely channeled along a different channel and Niagara Falls remained dry for several months
When cars pass by this miracle, they deliberately slow down, almost to walking speed. Above and below the waterfall along the river, for the convenience of tourists, bridges were built to admire the grandiose spectacle. Tourists, fascinated by the witchcraft of the phenomenon, do not take their eyes off the waterfall
At night, stunning illumination lights up. The play of the elements is so impressive that huge crowds of tourists watch it for hours without moving.
Niagara has dozens of multi-colored floodlights with a total capacity of 1.5 million kW. As soon as it gets dark, their rays are directed at the continuously moving wall of the waterfall and, creating a fabulous illumination, enhance the already impressive picture
Height of waterfalls Niagara is 53 meters. The foot of the American Falls is obscured by a pile of rocks, which is why its apparent height is only 21 meters. The width of the American Falls is 323 meters, the Horseshoe Falls is 792 meters. The volume of falling water reaches 5720 m 3 /s
The total width of the Niagara Falls exceeds 1200 m - this is the fifth waterfall in the world in terms of the width of the falling water front
In clear weather, the rays of the sun, refracted in the smallest drops of water, form seven-color rainbows. There are several of them, often one inside the other
Niagara, like any other waterfall, looks different depending not only on the time of day, but also on the time of year. In spring and summer, the boiling white curtain is shaded by lush greenery, in autumn - by crimson colors. In winter, only the edges of the river freeze. From the rocky ledges of the ridge, huge ice drifts, the size of factory chimneys, are gradually freezing - giant “icicles” sparkling with diamonds against the backdrop of the raging water. “Pipes” is not a metaphor. The “icicles” of frozen waterfalls are really hollow inside, and through their transparent walls you can watch how the water falls, pulsates and beats, resisting freezing
A menacing picture unfolds at Niagara Falls in early spring, during ice drift
Huge ice floes, like icebergs, shatter into pieces with a roar and roar and disappear into its bottomless abyss...
Niagara is famous throughout the world; up to 16 million tourists visit it annually. Hotels, motels, observation towers, a cableway, two cities even grew up with the same name - Niagara Falls, only one of them is Canadian, with 100 thousand inhabitants, and the other is American, with 50 thousand)
Scientists have determined that it moves upstream by one meter every year. It is believed that the waterfall has existed for about 50 thousand years and during this time it has moved upstream by about 10 kilometers. Based on this, in 20 thousand years the waterfall will come close to Lake Erie and disappear, and with its disappearance the lake will dry up...