Top 10 Largest Waterfalls in the World by Height and Volume

Introduction

Waterfalls are among nature’s most stunning creations, with some standing out for their impressive size and power. In this article, we’ll explore the largest waterfalls in the world, focusing on their height, volume, and width.

Khone Phapheng Falls: The Widest Waterfall in the World

Overview

Located on the Mekong River in Laos, Khone Phapheng Falls holds the title of the world’s widest waterfall, stretching approximately 10,783 meters (35,376 feet) across.

Flow and Power

Despite a modest height of about 21 meters (70 feet), the falls boast an impressive average flow rate of 11,610 cubic meters per second, with peak flows reaching up to 49,000 cubic meters per second.

Inga Falls: The Largest Waterfall by Volume

Location and Structure

Situated on the Congo River in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Inga Falls is characterized by a series of rapids and cascades over a 15-kilometer stretch, with a total drop of 96 meter..

Volume and Energy

Inga Falls has an average discharge of 25,060 cubic meters per second, making it the largest waterfall by volume globall.

 

Largest Waterfalls

Angel Falls: The World’s Tallest Waterfall

Geographical Setting

Angel Falls, or Salto Ángel, plunges from the Auyán-tepui mountain in Venezuela’s Canaima National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Height and Recognition

With a total height of 979 meters (3,212 feet) and an uninterrupted drop of 807 meters (2,648 feet), Angel Falls is recognized as the tallest waterfall in the world.

 

Largest Waterfalls

Tugela Falls: A Contender for the Tallest Waterfall

Location and Features

Found in South Africa’s Royal Natal National Park, Tugela Falls consists of five distinct drops cascading down the Drakensberg Mountains.

Height Measurements

Recent measurements suggest a total height of 983 meters (3,225 feet), potentially surpassing Angel Falls, though this is subject to ongoing debate.

 

Largest Waterfalls

 

Victoria Falls: The Largest Sheet of Falling Water

Geographical Context

Straddling the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls is known locally as “Mosi-oa-Tunya,” meaning “The Smoke That Thunders.”

Dimensions and Flow

The falls span 1,708 meters (5,604 feet) in width and drop 108 meters (354 feet), creating the world’s largest curtain of falling water.

 

Largest Waterfalls

Iguazu Falls: A Majestic Natural Wonder

Location and Structure

Iguazu Falls straddles the border between Argentina and Brazil, comprising approximately 275 individual cascades over a 2.7-kilometer (1.7-mile) stretch.

Flow and Spectacle

With an average flow rate of 1,746 cubic meters per second and peaks reaching 45,700 cubic meters per second, Iguazu Falls offers a breathtaking display of nature’s power.

Largest Waterfalls

Niagara Falls: A Symbol of Natural Power

Geographical Setting

Located on the border between the United States and Canada, Niagara Falls comprises three waterfalls: Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls.

Dimensions and Flow

Horseshoe Falls, the largest of the three, stands at 57 meters (187 feet) high and 790 meters (2,590 feet) wide, with an average flow rate of 2,400 cubic meters per second.

 

Largest Waterfalls

Boyoma Falls: A Series of Powerful Rapids

Location and Structure

Situated on the Lualaba River in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Boyoma Falls consists of seven cataracts over a 100-kilometer (62-mile) stretch.

Volume and Significance

Despite individual drops of only 5 meters (16 feet), the falls collectively have an average flow rate of 16,990 cubic meters per second, making them one of the largest by volume.

Largest Waterfalls

 

Sutherland Falls: A Scenic Cascade

Geographical Context

Located in Fiordland National Park, New Zealand, Sutherland Falls is a picturesque waterfall with a total height of 580 meters (1,904 feet) over three cascades.

 

Accessibility and Appeal

Accessible via the Milford Track, the falls are a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts.

 

Largest Waterfalls

 

Yosemite Falls: A North American Marvel

Location and Features

Yosemite Falls, located in California’s Yosemite National Park, is the tallest waterfall in North America, with a total drop of 739 meters (2,425 feet)

Seasonal Flow

The falls are most prominent in the spring, fed by melting snow, and may dry up by late summer.

Largest Waterfalls

 

Conclusion

the largest waterfalls offer a remarkable display of nature’s power. From massive heights to vast volumes, these waterfalls continue to amaze, leaving a lasting impression on all who experience them.

 

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References

The Khone Falls: The Widest Waterfall In The World

https://www.rainforestcruises.com/guides/khone-falls-widest-waterfall-in-the-world

World’s Largest Waterfalls By Average Volume

https://www.worldwaterfalldatabase.com/largest-waterfalls/volume

10 of the World’s Tallest Waterfalls

https://www.civitatis.com/blog/en/worlds-tallest-waterfalls/?srsltid=AfmBOoqBylIYhhhq3cx7hHOBxeoIpSPOCi6aMOsyD4xfuWqMJiHH8BrP

 

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