Anatomy of a Natural Wonder
The combined power of the Great Lakes culminates in the Niagara River, which carries an immense volume of water over the falls every second.
Cubic Meters Per Second (m³/s)
(Mean Annual Flow Rate)
Niagara Falls is not one, but three distinct waterfalls. The mighty Horseshoe Falls carries the vast majority of the water, dwarfing its American counterparts.
The Horseshoe Falls accounts for approximately 90% of the Niagara River's total flow, concentrating immense erosive power on its crescent-shaped crest.
While the American Falls has a higher vertical drop to its base of rocks (talus), the Horseshoe Falls is significantly taller, wider, and more powerful.
Born from melting glaciers, the Falls have been relentlessly carving their way upstream for millennia, a journey recorded in the 11km (7 mile) long Niagara Gorge.
The Falls are formed at the Niagara Escarpment near modern-day Lewiston, NY, as glacial meltwater begins to pour over the cliff.
The Falls retreat at a rapid pace, estimated at 3 to 5 feet per year, constantly reshaping the landscape.
Large-scale water diversion for hydroelectric power dramatically slows the erosion rate to about 1 foot per year.
Without human intervention, geologists estimate the Falls would erode all the way to Lake Erie in 50,000 years, draining it completely.
The Falls' fame has long attracted daredevils seeking to conquer it for fame and fortune. Their stories are a bizarre and often tragic chronicle of human audacity.
Crossed the gorge on a tightrope, even carrying his manager on his back.
A 63-year-old teacher, she was the first person to survive going over in a barrel.
His barrel, weighed down with an anvil, disintegrated on impact.
Survived the fall but suffocated when his barrel was trapped behind the water for 18 hours. His pet turtle survived.
First person to walk a tightrope directly over the brink of the Falls in a massive televised event.
The same force that inspires awe also represents an immense source of energy. The 1950 Niagara River Water Diversion Treaty allows for a delicate balance between scenic beauty and power generation.
To ensure a spectacular view for tourists, the flow is kept high during the day. At night and in the off-season, the flow is drastically reduced.
Daytime Tourist Hours:
2,800 m³/s
(Minimum flow over falls)
Night & Off-Season:
1,400 m³/s
(Minimum flow over falls)
While not the tallest or widest, Niagara's power lies in its immense volume. Here's how it compares to other world-famous waterfalls.