Niagara Falls
The Niagara Falls is the most powerful waterfalls in North America. These voluminous waterfalls are on the Niagara River, which drains Lake Erie into Lake Ontario and forms the international border between the Canadian province of Ontario and the U.S state of New York and forms the southern end of the Niagara George. We are aware of the presence and the scenic beauty of this falls but one never gives a thought of the history of the falls. Unlike all other things this falls also includes a certain story behind it. But as it is said the invention itself creates the magic and not story behind it.
The Niagara Falls was formed when glaciers receded at the end of the Wisconsin glaciations and water from the newly formed Great Lakes carved a path through the Niagara Escarpment en route to the Atlantic Ocean. These falls are very wide in nature. It is renowned both for its beauty and as a valuable source of hydroelectricity power. The enormous energy of Niagara Falls has long been recognized as a potential source of power. Niagara Falls has long been a source of inspiration for explorers, travelers, artists, authors, film makers, residents, and of course the visitor.
The Niagara Falls has been categorized by three names: American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls and Canadian/Horseshoe Falls. American Falls between Prospect Point and Luna Island, Bridal Veil Falls between Luna Island and Goat Island, and Canadian/Horseshoe Falls between Goat Island and Table Rock. The tremendous volume of water never stops flowing; however the falling water and mist create ice formations along the banks of the falls and rivers. This can result in mounds of ice as thick as fifty feet. If the winter is cold enough, the ice will completely stretch across the river and from what is known as the ‘ice bridge’. Until 1912, visitors were allowed to actually walk on the Ice Bridge and view the falls from below. But somehow a mishap happened when the bridge broke down and took the lives of three visitors and thus a ban on setting out to bridge was levied.
Some Interesting Facts about THE NIAGARA FALLS:
. The flow of American Falls was stopped completely for several months in 1969. To set up some process for determining the feasibility of removing the large amount loose rocks from the base but finally it was not successful due to heavy expenses.
. The word ‘Niagara’ was derived from the Iroquois Indian word “Onguiaahra”.
Thus Niagara Falls is a wonderful creation of nature and a perfect example of scenic beauty and aesthetic beauty.