The Power of Niagara Falls
The power of Niagara Falls has been a source of inspiration for awe and wonderment since the ancient world. It is now one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. In addition to its natural beauty, the falls provide a valuable source of hydroelectric energy for Ontario and New York.
The Location and Symbolism
The waterfall is located in the Niagara River, a major tributary of Lake Ontario in the United States and Canada. It is an internationally recognized symbol of both countries, and a landmark for both the region and the nation.
The Beauty of the Falls
Waterfalls are usually created when a large volume of water flows over a rocky or unstable surface. The rushing water in the Falls creates foam and mist, which in some areas can appear to be an explosion of color. The brown mist in the upper falls is a result of suspended particles of decayed vegetation from Lake Erie.
The Fragility and Protection
Despite its spectacular power, the Niagara Falls are a fragile and vulnerable site that is subject to erosion. As a result, the area has become a concern for environmentalists and governmental agencies.
Efforts to Preserve and Conserve
Over the years, a number of efforts have been made to protect the falls from commercial development and the diversion of its water into hydroelectric plants in both Canada and the United States. In 1929, a treaty was signed between the two governments to preserve and conserve the falls.
Tourism and Pop Culture
In the past century, tourism to Niagara has risen sharply, with millions of visitors each year. It has also been featured in a number of movies, including Superman II and the 1980's IMAX film Wonderfalls.
The Falls and Surrounding Features
While the most famous Falls is the American Falls, there are also two smaller ones, the Bridal Veil and Horseshoe falls. The Horseshoe and Bridal Veil Falls cascade down a gorge in the Niagara River that is over 11 km long.
The Formation of the Falls
The Niagara Gorge, or escarpment, is composed of resistant rocks that have held back the rushing waters of the Niagara River for over 12,000 years. The falls themselves are the result of a low pathway through the escarpment that allowed the mighty Niagara River to carve a path down into the valley below.
The Influence of Glaciation
During the last Ice Age, about 1.7 million years ago, glaciers covered much of the region. The resulting glacial deposits were deposited in shallow marine basins on the shoreline of the Great Lakes and adjacent land.
Continual Erosion and Water Volume
As the ice retreated from the region, the resulting rivers were diverted down the Niagara Escarpment to their present location, which is about seven miles upstream of Lewiston, New York, and Queenston, Ontario. As a result, the escarpment has been gradually eroded, with the average rate of recession being about 1.2 m per year.
Today, the volume of water rushing over the Falls exceeds 6 million cubic feet (300,000 m3) per minute. It hits the base of the falls with a force of 280 tons at the American and Bridal Veil Falls, and 2,509 tons at the Horseshoe Falls.
