Before we talk about on the river which is Victoria Falls, let's find out what the waterfall in principle, how it differs from ledges and rapids.
What waterfall
path of any river, creek, brook lengthy and ornate.On its route can meet anything.In order to "get around" the barrier, the water stream meanders and twists (it can be clearly seen in photographs taken from space).The only obstacle that any stream (even if it is very impressive dimensions) can not avoid - is a ledge (not to be confused with the precipice, as it is a matter of "hands" of the river).If the "nut" from which you want to "jump" the water is small, the waterfall is a place not to be named.The minimum height of the drop shall be one meter.
Most of these places are formed by tectonic shifts rocks.Our planet is - a living organism, growing, changing.That's what they say faults that appear in different places.If at the time the motion of terrestrial rocks at this place was the river, then it would be nothing left to do but succumb to the laws of physics and fall down.So on Earth appeared almost all the waterfalls, except artificial, of course.
If the river was quite large, it is poured into the crash site to gigantic proportions, hoping to find a place where you can not "jump", but most of it is useless, leading eventually to the external appearance of grandeur.That's what the largest waterfalls in the world.In addition the height of the fall of many hundred-meter height reaches, so more and wide is stretched for several kilometers, creating something unique and delightfully beautiful.
Zambezi River
Which river is Victoria Falls?On the one that flows through the open spaces of Africa, it crosses several countries, supplying drinking water to the inhabitants of the continent - the Zambezi.River takes its origin in the black swamps of Zambia.Height highlands about 1,500 meters above sea level.It flows into the Indian Ocean.This is one of the longest rivers of the African continent.Its length is 2574 km, and the decoration was the Victoria Falls.On the map, and photographs taken from a bird's flight, perfectly visible the enormity of the flow, collecting the waters of several major rivers and the rapid flow of breaking into the ocean.In spite of the considerable length of the river, it was built five bridges.There are 2 large and one small hydroelectric power stations.
Now you have an idea on what the river is Victoria Falls.I would like to not ignore the two fracture from which water cascade down the Zambezi: Chuvama and Ngambve that, as well as Victoria, the river makes a unique and amazing decoration of our planet.
Top Rated
tallest waterfalls in the world and is considered improbable Angel.Churun River, which flows through the territory of South America, forced to fall from the height of the mesa Auyán-tepui, and its height, among other things, more than 1,000 meters, and to be perfectly accurate, it is 1,054 km.
second largest "fall" of water is on the African continent.It Tugela River forced to fall from a height of 948 meters, forming the waterfall of the same name.
Notwithstanding the above, the international recognition received not the highest and powerful, and the bright and spectacular waterfalls.The inhabitants of the world it does not matter from what height the water falls, the main thing that it was beautiful.There is a list of unforgettable natural wonders where the Victoria Falls is the second place of honor.The first settled Iguazu Falls, which entered not only in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Site, but also received the title of one of the seven wonders of the world.
Victoria Falls
Geologists believe that a narrow crack in the earth's crust, which barred the way the Zambezi River, formed millions of years ago.Consequently, streamed on the flat plateau of the water is forced to fall from a height of about one hundred and twenty meters, creating a noise that can be heard within a radius of forty kilometers.The locals called him for this "Gremyashchy smoke."A huge stream of water falls, creating a fountain of spray that can rise during the rainy season to incredible heights, forming a mist.That is mistaken for smoke and locals.Moreover, the "wall" of fine droplets creating incredible beauty of the rainbow as the afternoon sun and the moon at night.It is said that night (which appears in the full moon) the most memorable and mesmerizing.
Coordinates
Which river is the Victoria Falls, a more or less clear, but because the river - it is not a lake, look no okinesh, it flows hundreds of kilometers, crossing the territory of several states.Where exactly is the waterfall?
It is considered a natural boundary between the two states, which formed around national parks in the hope of preserving it for posterity.Zambia and Zimbabwe, take care of the preservation of world heritage under the name "Victoria Falls".However, local people sincerely believe that the waterfall must be specified in a real world map entitled "Gremyashchy smoke."The exact coordinates are: latitude - 17 ° 55'28 "S (South) Longitude - 25 ° 51'24" E (east).
history
Declared UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mosi-oa-Tunya (the smoke Gremyashchy, the same Victoria) is considered the only waterfall in the world, having a width of nearly two kilometers.He was found the most spectacular sight in Africa.Frequented by tourists it began relatively recently, just after the river was built a railway bridge, and it happened in 1905.
first "tourists", who described the waterfall became Livingston.In November 1855, studying the Zambezi River, he naturally came across a waterfall.His impressions of the scientist could not even describe, finding nothing suitable for comparison, is located in Europe.It was his idea to call Falls in honor of Queen Victoria's mother.
Tourism
peculiar zigzagopodobnoe channel region attracts kayakers and rafting fans.Jumping - another popular pastime on the waterfall.The jump from a great height on the "rubber band" leaves a lasting impression.But those activities, which offer guides and guides, nothing compared to the immense natural beauty.It is for this to go waterfall millions of tourists who want to see the eyes of God's handiwork.
