Famous Waterfalls
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Copyright © 2007 Elizabeth Jean
| About 70% of the Earth's surface is permanently
covered in water. Water shapes our coastlines and carves channels through
countries and landscapes. Inevitably, water sometimes runs across a sudden
drop in the level of the land, and a waterfall is born. Most people can visualize a waterfall, but might find it more difficult to define. It's probably fair to say that a waterfall's defining feature is that at some point the water descends, or falls, vertically, rather than just cascading down a steep gradient. But it is probably best not to be overly concerned with the semantics of waterfalls, but instead to appreciate the imposing spectacle they create, and the way in which they have evolved over hundreds and thousands of years. |
| Just as coastlines are vulnerable to erosion by water, so are
river beds, hillsides and cliffs, and the fast-flowing nature of
waterfalls means that over time, even the hardest rock is worn away
and reshaped by the water. Two areas in particular are sure to have
gradually evolved over the years - the area near the edge of the
waterfall, where the water is at its fastest, and the "plunge pool"
at the base of the waterfall, so-called because the riverbed has
usually been worn away by the impact of the water to form an
abnormally deep area. Waterfalls are perennial tourist attractions, and many people are willing to travel considerable distances to see some of the world's most famous waterfalls in action. While aficionados and tourist authorities might like to debate the relative merits and heights of different waterfalls, the reality is that all big waterfalls have their own unique character and setting, and any large waterfall presents a truly spectacular and dramatic sight. You can add artificial waterfalls to your own backyard at http://www.garden-fountains.com . We've taken a look at a few of the world's most famous waterfalls, to see what makes them so special. Niagara Falls Known by schoolchildren and adults all over the world, Niagara Falls is perhaps the most famous waterfall in the world. Straddling the border between the United States and Canada, Niagara Falls is actually made up of three falls - the Horseshoe Falls (sometimes called the Canadian Falls), the American Falls and the Bridal Veil Falls. The landscape seen today at Niagara Falls was formed by glacial movements during the ice age. When the ice retreated and the water began to flow again, the changed landscape forced the water to carve out a new route for the Niagara River. Niagara itself is thought to derive from the old Iroquois word for the river - Onguiaahra - "The Strait", and the Horseshoe Falls are reputed to hide the spirit of He-No, the Iroquois thunder god, who rescued his true love Lelawala as she paddled her canoe over the falls in an attempt to escape from a forced marriage. The falls are said to mask caves, where He-No and Lelawala lived together happily thereafter. Today, Niagara Falls is split between two cities - Niagara Falls, Ontario, and Niagara Falls, New York. Both cities play host to many thousands of tourists each year, and both the Americans and Canadians benefit from the hydroelectric generation potential of the falls, each operating two hydroelectric power generation facilities that generate up to 4.4GW of power in total. Indeed, the scale of the hydroelectric facilities is such that flow to the falls is reduced each night and throughout the summer as greater volumes of water are diverted towards the power plants, to be returned to the Niagara River downstream, below the Falls. Niagara Falls is undoubtedly one of the world's greatest waterfall complexes, despite its relatively modest height, its exceptional width means that at peak flow more than 6 million cubic feet of water pass over its edge every minute - a true giant among waterfalls. |
The Internet is easily the most
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castle out of the humblest of homes. Music from the masters is ours
with the click of a mouse. Movies available from the Internet are
now better at home than they used to be in the best of theaters.
Tentative answers to our most perplexing questions can often be
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their loneliness. Virtual vacations can transport us from the
winding roads of Maine to icy palaces in the snow-capped mountains
of Tibet. Phone calls to anywhere on earth, with pictures, only cost
us a nickel when we make them with the magic of the Internet. Your life's savings can disappear in an instant. Worse yet, your life's work can be destroyed -- or stolen – usually for no better reason than to brag about it. YOU, your computer, and even your business, are at risk every second you are on line. The FBI has lost sensitive files. The CIA web site has been hacked into, so realistically, the only thing that stands between you and your turn at complete disaster may well be nothing less than the whimsy of fate. One thing is for sure, the more you have to lose, the sooner it could happen to you. Like the skyscraper attracting bolts of sizzling lightning because it inches higher than the office buildings around it, your most prized possessions could well be next on some madman's list -- simply because you ARE on their list of the good, the bad, or the ugly. You can easily replace your computer, but are you properly protecting its contents? |
| Victoria Falls The widest waterfall on Earth, Victoria Falls undoubtedly ranks as one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the world. Indeed, when Scottish explorer David Livingstone first set eyes on it in November 1855, he was so impressed that he renamed the falls after his Queen, Victoria. Known locally as the Mosi-oa-Tunya - "The Smoke That Thunders" - the falls are an amazing 1,708 meters wide, with an average drop of around 100m. In the wet season, more than 19 million cubic feet of water flow over the falls each minute, dropping down into the Zambezi Gorge below. The resulting spray, or smoke, can sometimes be seen from up to 25 miles away. A UNESCO World Heritage site, Victoria Falls sits on the Zambezi River, dividing the African states of Zambia and Zimbabwe. Both countries have national parks named after the falls - the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park in Zambia and the Victoria Falls National Park in Zimbabwe. Angel Falls, Venezuela The Angel Falls, in Venezuela, is the tallest waterfall in the world, standing a total of 3,212 feet tall. Unlike some very tall falls, water falls freely for the majority of this distance, with an uninterrupted fall of 2,648 feet. The Angel Falls is located in the Canaima National Park, in Venezuela, and gained its name in 1937 when an adventurous American aviator, James Angel, discovered it. Although his plane became stranded upon landing in some marshy ground at the top of the falls, he and his companions made it on foot through the jungle to the nearest village and announced their discovery. Today, tourists can take sightseeing flights over the falls, but for those who would like to see them on foot, the Angel Falls are still several days' trek through the rainforest, making it a relatively undisturbed natural marvel. |
the end
About the author: Written by
Elizabeth Jean for
http://www.Garden-Fountains.com For more information on waterfalls, visit
our section on
Famous Waterfalls
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World travelers should remember the threat of malaria when making their plans. Estimates show that around 107 territories present a major risk for contracting the disease. These territories include: Africa, Asia (including the Indian Subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East), parts of Eastern Europe, Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Columbia, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, Panama, parts of Central America -- and many islands in the South Pacific.
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South AmericaFrom Patagonia in the south to Columbia and Venezuela in the north, South America offers travelers with an entire continent to explore. Visitors who travel South America can visit tremendous mountains, amazing rain forests and beautiful beaches. A trip to South America will expose travelers to various languages and cultures from both the new world of Europe to the ancient societies of South America’s indigenous people. I'll never forget the look on the face of that Colombian campesino man. My wife just explained to him in Spanish that what I am holding under my arm is indeed a surfboard, despite the fact that we were standing in a Colombian village that was located somewhere in the middle of the Andes Mountains, hundreds of miles away from any ocean. After hearing this news the man made a joke about us getting bad directions. Crossing the Andes with a surfboard. The climb up the glaciers to the summit of Mount Chimborazo in Ecuador isn't considered highly technical. Technically, it is mountaineering, but how hard could it be, considering that I went to 20,600 feet the first time I used crampons and an ice axe? Okay, I had used them once for practice, on a sledding hill near my house. Getting married in Chile is one of the most romantic ideas you can come up with. You should first check with the Chilean Embassy and Consulate Office for current laws and requirements. Getting married abroad is as legal and accepted as if it happened domestically as long as you adhere to the proper requirements of both the host country and your own. What attracts most visitors to the area is the many mega-resort properties that line Highway 307 from Cancun to Tulum, also referred to as the Riviera Maya. People are lured by the miles of beaches, clear turquoise sea, and the ability to leave their wallets in the hotel safe for a week for an all-inclusive Caribbean holiday. Unfortunately, if you never leave the resort, you miss out on experiencing the culture and beauty of the Mexican Coast. |
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European HighlightsFor the fortunate few, life isn’t complete without a backpacking trip through Europe. This rite of passage is believed to further the maturation process of college students, according to sociologists. Of course, others have opined that copious amounts of alcohol, sun and Amsterdam have something to do with it. Regardless of your purpose, you still have to figure out what to take.
Alsace, unlike the other French regions, is rich in French, German and Swiss influences. The region is situated among the Vosges mountains in the mid-eastern to north-eastern part of France. Alsace is the smallest of all French regions with Strasbourg bordering Germany and the Rhine River. Towards Mulhouse in the south, the region is bordered by Switzerland and the region known as Franche-Comte. ***
Prenzlau: Pristine nature, clean air and clear water, a wide variety
of nature protection and landscape conservation areas plus biosphere reserves –
the calmness and the light are the reasons why people feel so at home
here.Prenzlau an the Uckermark have all kinds of cultural and sporting
activities on offer, as well as modern accommodation options. I´d like tell you
a little bit about what´s on offer. *** Interactive maps of Europe. Austria * Belgium * Croatia * Czech Republic * Denmark * England * Finland * France * Germany * Greece * Hungary * Ireland * Italy * Montenegro * Netherlands * Norway * Poland * Portugal * Romania * Scandinavia * Scotland * Serbia * Slovenia * Spain * Sweden * Switzerland * Turkey * United Kingdom *** Bulgaria was the Slav land of Orpheus and Spartacus. It holds countless treasures, burial tombs and magnificent art and frescos reminiscent of centuries past, offering visitors the opportunity to tour numerous museums and monuments to understand Bulgaria’s rich cultural heritage.. Today, culturally the Bulgarians remember the days when men tried to appease the natural elements and trembled before their power! Rich with beauty, gaiety, mystical voices, fiery dances and brightly colored costumes, Bulgarian folklore has to be seen, felt and experienced… Bulgaria is best known for its budget holiday resorts on the Black Sea. Here you can enjoy great health and leisure activities at a fraction of the cost of most other tourist destinations. Warm sunshine with pleasant temperatures (around 26°C in summer) comfortable hotels, white, non-tidal beaches, water sports are but some of the attractions to the area. There is also plenty of entertainment laid on by the hotels, including night life at all the resorts. In addition, within minutes you can find yourself in picturesque mountains, ski resorts and golf courses. *** In Belgium the traffic drives on the right, drivers must be 18 and carry a valid driving licence and international driving permit, if they are foreigners. Seatbelts are mandatory for everyone and children under three must use a proper child restraint system. A warning triangle is compulsory as are headlamp converters (for left hand drive cars), dipped headlights in poor weather and a first-aid kit. Belgium has strict drunk-driving laws, only allowing 0.25mg/ml of alcohol in the blood. Fines range from €125 on-the-spot to €2,500 (if prosecuted) and up to a maximum of €10,000 (if over 0.8mg/l), a six-month sentence and five-year suspension of your licence. Speed limits are implemented rigorously with frequent radar traps and heavy on-the-spot fines. With the same dedication of the swallows returning to Capistrano, the rich and famous flock to the French Riviera every year. When you walk along the city streets in the spring, or one of the many bustling open-air fruit and vegetable markets, and you might just find yourself passing a famous movie star or elegant fashion model. The Grand Prix is held in Monaco. It ranks among the top sporting events in the world, and for good reason. The combination of Formula One cars street racing and the influx of celebrities to the playground of Europe make a heady mix for the annual event, and is viewed as part of the social calendar for the world’s top sports stars, actors, models and businessmen. The circuit takes in Casino Square and passes by the renowned Hotel de Paris in Monte Carlo, making it one of the most recognisable hotels in the world. Spain is such a popular destination we have created an entire directory for it. Explore Morocco * The Cultural Heritage of Vienna Switzerland greets the eye like a fairy tale. Its cities are precision built, the trains run on time and everywhere you look the natives there seem to be dancing or at least having a great time. The diversity of the German, French, Romanish, and Italian languages has formed a robust national culture. Discover everything you need to Know for the Perfect Vacation, including where to stay, where to eat and the best places to visit in Florence, Italy. Find out the answers to the Top 50 most Frequently asked Questions about Florence, Italy. Visit Places to visit in Florence Italy Joined to Bagnoregio, and to the world, through only one bridge, Civita Italy appears in an unreal isolation due to landslip series and downfall of argillaceous ground on which the entire town is built and that is still in danger. Incredible prices for all kinds of goods can be found on the Rock of Gibraltar. |
London has miles and miles of
adventure, from the distant past to the rocketing future.
The History of London
Bridge: London Bridge today is not the same London Bridge that
crossed the Thames when it was first built. Peter, a priest and chaplain of St.
Mary's of Colechurch, began the foundation of the original bridge in 1176 to
replace a wooden bridge (expensive to maintain and repeatedly burned down) that
had first been built by the Romans.
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Introducing Australia It is located in the
Southern
Hemisphere and it is over twenty times the size of the United Kingdom has the
lowest population density in the world, with only two people per square kilometre, has more than seven thousand beaches (more than any other country)
and covers three time zones. It is also the sixth largest country and smallest
continent on the planet.
The Gold Coast of Australia features 40km of
sandy immaculate beaches and is located 70kms south of Queensland's capital
city, Brisbane, and 947kms North the capital of New south Wales, Sydney. It
has an estimated population of 480,000 and is Australia's sixth largest
city.
Stunning Katherine Gorge, the major attraction of Nitmiluk
National Park in the Northern Territory of Australia, is an absolute must see.
Katherine Gorge shows that the most impressive experiences in the Australian
Outback don't cost an arm and a leg, don't have to be shared with a kazillion
other tourists, and they don't require any special preparations.
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The History of the Balearic Islands: The Balearic Islands have been inhabited since prehistoric times, around 5000 BC, and there are many Cyclopean remains. These show the communities constructed dwellings of stone. There is evidence of primitive agriculture including the keeping of domesticated animals. Jewelry, pottery and tools appear to have been manufactured. Later they were frequently visited by Phoenician traders. In 654 BC the Carthaginians founded what is today Ibiza city. Roman occupation followed and they were in turn evicted by the Visigoths.
Samoa, southseas paradise beckons to the modern traveler.
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Africa, land of mystery. Actually, we have quite a bit of knowledge stored here on the African Continent and we want to share it with you.
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