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Niagara Falls: An Infographic

NIAGARA FALLS

Anatomy of a Natural Wonder

A River's Relentless Rush

The combined power of the Great Lakes culminates in the Niagara River, which carries an immense volume of water over the falls every second.

2,407

Cubic Meters Per Second (m³/s)

(Mean Annual Flow Rate)

A Triptych of Power

Niagara Falls is not one, but three distinct waterfalls. The mighty Horseshoe Falls carries the vast majority of the water, dwarfing its American counterparts.

Flow Distribution

The Horseshoe Falls accounts for approximately 90% of the Niagara River's total flow, concentrating immense erosive power on its crescent-shaped crest.

By the Numbers: Height & Width

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.

A 12,000-Year Retreat

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.

12,000 Years Ago: The Birth

The Falls are formed at the Niagara Escarpment near modern-day Lewiston, NY, as glacial meltwater begins to pour over the cliff.

Pre-1900s: Natural Erosion

The Falls retreat at a rapid pace, estimated at 3 to 5 feet per year, constantly reshaping the landscape.

20th Century: Human Intervention

Large-scale water diversion for hydroelectric power dramatically slows the erosion rate to about 1 foot per year.

The Future: 50,000 Years?

Without human intervention, geologists estimate the Falls would erode all the way to Lake Erie in 50,000 years, draining it completely.

Dancing on the Brink

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.

  • 🤸

    1859: The Great Blondin

    Crossed the gorge on a tightrope, even carrying his manager on his back.

    Survived
  • 🛢️

    1901: Annie Edson Taylor

    A 63-year-old teacher, she was the first person to survive going over in a barrel.

    Survived
  • 💥

    1920: Charles Stephens

    His barrel, weighed down with an anvil, disintegrated on impact.

    Fatal
  • 🐢

    1930: George Stathakis

    Survived the fall but suffocated when his barrel was trapped behind the water for 18 hours. His pet turtle survived.

    Fatal
  • 🚶

    2012: Nik Wallenda

    First person to walk a tightrope directly over the brink of the Falls in a massive televised event.

    Survived

Taming the Giant

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.

Water Diversion at Night

A Tale of Two Flows

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)

Niagara on the World Stage

While not the tallest or widest, Niagara's power lies in its immense volume. Here's how it compares to other world-famous waterfalls.