Image from pinimage
Located in the Waitaanga Conservation Area, this waterfall is 74 metres high and can be viewed from two lookout platforms.
Because the access track crosses farmland, no dogs are allowed. The area is located on New Zealand's North Island and can be approached from the Forgotten World Highway.
The Taranaki area was formed by slippage between the Pacific and Australian tectonic plates. This is one of New Zealand's most active volcanic regions. However Mount Taranaki (aka Mount Egmont) is now extinct.
Wednesday, December 31, 2014
Tuesday, December 30, 2014
Horsetail Fire Falls, Yosemite
Image from staticflickr
Is is a volcanic firefall? No, just a natural waterfall, lit in a spectacular fashion by a certain angle of the setting sun.
For a few weeks in late February, this is what the mountain shoulder of El Capitan looks like each evening. Lit at just the right angle by the westering sun, the falls takes on brilliant hues of red, orange and yellow.
Hoping for plentiful water flow and good weather conditions, photographers come to Yosemite in California from afar to get pictures of this fascinating natural phenomenon.
This mountain is also a destination for rock climbers.
Is is a volcanic firefall? No, just a natural waterfall, lit in a spectacular fashion by a certain angle of the setting sun.
For a few weeks in late February, this is what the mountain shoulder of El Capitan looks like each evening. Lit at just the right angle by the westering sun, the falls takes on brilliant hues of red, orange and yellow.
Hoping for plentiful water flow and good weather conditions, photographers come to Yosemite in California from afar to get pictures of this fascinating natural phenomenon.
This mountain is also a destination for rock climbers.
Monday, December 29, 2014
Shir Abad Waterfall in Iran
Sunday, December 28, 2014
Geli Ali Bag Waterfall in Iraq
Image from wikimedia commons
Geli Ali Bag Waterfall is located in the province of Erbil, in a rocky northerm area of Iraq.
This waterfall is bordered by two mountain ranges and can be approached for viewing in the small boats provided for visitors.
This site in the Iraqi Kurdistan region is a popular tourist resort.
Geli Ali Bag Waterfall is located in the province of Erbil, in a rocky northerm area of Iraq.
This waterfall is bordered by two mountain ranges and can be approached for viewing in the small boats provided for visitors.
This site in the Iraqi Kurdistan region is a popular tourist resort.
Saturday, December 27, 2014
Frozen waterfall on Lake Superior
Image from lovethesepics
It is an uncommon occurrence for Lake Superior to freeze solid, but it did happen in February of 2014 when this photo was taken.
In the Wisconsin park Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, the caves were transformed into frozen cascades. Naturally lots of people came to walk on the frozen lake.
It is an uncommon occurrence for Lake Superior to freeze solid, but it did happen in February of 2014 when this photo was taken.
In the Wisconsin park Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, the caves were transformed into frozen cascades. Naturally lots of people came to walk on the frozen lake.
Friday, December 26, 2014
Trou de fer on Reunion Island
Image from Monday Dreaming Waterfalls
The World Waterfall Database describes the Trou de fer on Reunion Island off Madagascar as a "series of leaps into a huge slot canyon."
The series of horsetail leaps into the canyon total about 305 m. hen the water completes its plunge by descending 24 m into the trou de fer, the iron hole seen on the bottom left.
The World Waterfall Database describes the Trou de fer on Reunion Island off Madagascar as a "series of leaps into a huge slot canyon."
The series of horsetail leaps into the canyon total about 305 m. hen the water completes its plunge by descending 24 m into the trou de fer, the iron hole seen on the bottom left.
Thursday, December 25, 2014
New Zealand Christmas tree
Image from bushmansfriend
Those who live in the Southern Hemisphere, say Australia or New Zealand, are experiencing high summer now. For them, this is what the term Christmas tree means. For you scientific types, the botanical alias is Metrosederos excelsa Pohutukawa.
Happy Christmas to all those Down Under, below the equator, and to all of us in the Northern Latitudes too.
Those who live in the Southern Hemisphere, say Australia or New Zealand, are experiencing high summer now. For them, this is what the term Christmas tree means. For you scientific types, the botanical alias is Metrosederos excelsa Pohutukawa.
Happy Christmas to all those Down Under, below the equator, and to all of us in the Northern Latitudes too.
Wednesday, December 24, 2014
Angel Falls, Venezuela
Image from the geographical empanandas
Angel Falls, El Salto Angel, is the highest uninterrupted waterfall in the world. Located in Cainama National Park and best viewed from the air, it drops 979 metres from Auyan-Tepui, Devil's Mountain, which, in spite of its name is really a plateau.
This spectacular cascade occurs on the Churun River, which joins the Caroni, a tributary of the Orinoco, where it flows into a silt-laden mangrove swamp.
Some consider this remarkable torrent of water a planetary gate, energy vortex, or chakra of the earth itself.
Angel Falls, El Salto Angel, is the highest uninterrupted waterfall in the world. Located in Cainama National Park and best viewed from the air, it drops 979 metres from Auyan-Tepui, Devil's Mountain, which, in spite of its name is really a plateau.
This spectacular cascade occurs on the Churun River, which joins the Caroni, a tributary of the Orinoco, where it flows into a silt-laden mangrove swamp.
Some consider this remarkable torrent of water a planetary gate, energy vortex, or chakra of the earth itself.
Tuesday, December 23, 2014
Manthoka Waterfall, Pakistan
This falls is located near Skardu, Madapur, in Gilgit-Baltistan, the meeting point of three great mountain ranges, the Karakoram, the Hindu Kush, and the Himalayas. The name of the latter range is a Sanskrit word meaning abode of snow. Surrounded by gorgeous mountains views, this waterfall is known to tourists as a good place for fishing and camping.
Monday, December 22, 2014
Uluru Falls, Australia
Image from photoz
Uluru, also known as Ayers Rock, is sacred to the Anangu, the aboriginal people of the region. This marvelous red sandstone bump rises 348 m above the hot red desert of the Northern Territory in Central Australia. Its circumference is over nine kilometers.
Though this weird rock is normally dry and the climate around it arid, occasional rainstorms cause water to cascade down the sides. After receiving only 6.1 inches of rain in all of 2009, in the fall of 2010, Uluru National Park was struck by a rare thunderstorm that dropped 2.8 inches of rain at one go, causing impromptu waterfalls to drop down all sides of the rock, as seen in the Mail Online here.
Some characterize Uluru as the root chakra of the earth itself, although others attribute that role to Mr. Shasta in California. Seeing the rock as the base chakra accords with the aboriginal view that humans originated there. Other energy theorists associate Uluru with the third or solar plexus chakra.
Uluru, also known as Ayers Rock, is sacred to the Anangu, the aboriginal people of the region. This marvelous red sandstone bump rises 348 m above the hot red desert of the Northern Territory in Central Australia. Its circumference is over nine kilometers.
Though this weird rock is normally dry and the climate around it arid, occasional rainstorms cause water to cascade down the sides. After receiving only 6.1 inches of rain in all of 2009, in the fall of 2010, Uluru National Park was struck by a rare thunderstorm that dropped 2.8 inches of rain at one go, causing impromptu waterfalls to drop down all sides of the rock, as seen in the Mail Online here.
Some characterize Uluru as the root chakra of the earth itself, although others attribute that role to Mr. Shasta in California. Seeing the rock as the base chakra accords with the aboriginal view that humans originated there. Other energy theorists associate Uluru with the third or solar plexus chakra.
Sunday, December 21, 2014
Dudsghar Falls, India
Image from goahotelsdeals
This waterfall in Goa can be viewed from the railway train that crosses the gorge. Below, the falls is seen swelled by monsoons. bcmtouring
This waterfall in Goa can be viewed from the railway train that crosses the gorge. Below, the falls is seen swelled by monsoons. bcmtouring
Saturday, December 20, 2014
Eas a'Chual Aluinn
Image from walkinghighlands
Located near Lochinvar in southwestern Scotland, Britain's highest waterfall is sometimes called Eas Coul Aulin. It drops from a high plateau and in two steps falls two hundred meters. Below, in Lake Glencoul are lake cruises that show off the falls. According to David Ross, hikers who use the trails should be sure to have maps to avoid getting lost.
Located near Lochinvar in southwestern Scotland, Britain's highest waterfall is sometimes called Eas Coul Aulin. It drops from a high plateau and in two steps falls two hundred meters. Below, in Lake Glencoul are lake cruises that show off the falls. According to David Ross, hikers who use the trails should be sure to have maps to avoid getting lost.
Friday, December 19, 2014
Water overflows Band-e-Amir Lake, Afghanistan
Image from worldtoptop
The unique geography of this region of Afghanistan includes this blue lake -- a bowl shaped vessel, overflowing with tiny waterfalls.
Located in Band-e-amir Lakes National Park, this is one of six lakes of astonishingly blue coloration. Each is surrounded by weird and wonderful geographical formations.
The unique geography of this region of Afghanistan includes this blue lake -- a bowl shaped vessel, overflowing with tiny waterfalls.
Located in Band-e-amir Lakes National Park, this is one of six lakes of astonishingly blue coloration. Each is surrounded by weird and wonderful geographical formations.
Thursday, December 18, 2014
Urubamba Waterfall in Peru
Image from travelization
This waterfall drops into the Pongo de Mainique, a canyon located near Cusco in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. A tributary of the Amazon, the Urubamba is a whitewater river, crossed by the Inca Bridge, an ancient and secret entrance to Machu Picchu.
This waterfall drops into the Pongo de Mainique, a canyon located near Cusco in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. A tributary of the Amazon, the Urubamba is a whitewater river, crossed by the Inca Bridge, an ancient and secret entrance to Machu Picchu.
Wednesday, December 17, 2014
Cheonjeyeyon and Jeongbang Falls, Korea
Left: Image from korea.adoption
Cheonjeyeyon and Jeongbang waterfalls are located on the volcanic Korean island of Jeju.
Below: According to Tommy Ooi, Jeongbang is the only waterfall in Asia to drop directly into the ocean.
Cheonjeyeyon and Jeongbang waterfalls are located on the volcanic Korean island of Jeju.
Below: According to Tommy Ooi, Jeongbang is the only waterfall in Asia to drop directly into the ocean.
Tuesday, December 16, 2014
Baatara Gorge Falls, Lebanon
Image from worldtoptop
Fed by meltwater from Mount Lebanon, the Jurassic period limestone has eroded into a series of caves with three natural bridges. Thus the Baatara Gorge falls is sometimes called the Three Bridge Chasm.
In 1988, fluorescent dye was used to determine where the water goes. It was discovered that it emerges from the earth through a natural spring in a nearby town.
The vertical drop of this astonishing cascade is 255 metres.
Fed by meltwater from Mount Lebanon, the Jurassic period limestone has eroded into a series of caves with three natural bridges. Thus the Baatara Gorge falls is sometimes called the Three Bridge Chasm.
In 1988, fluorescent dye was used to determine where the water goes. It was discovered that it emerges from the earth through a natural spring in a nearby town.
The vertical drop of this astonishing cascade is 255 metres.
Monday, December 15, 2014
Plitvice Falls, Croatia
Image from worldtoptop
These lovely falls are located in Plitvice Lakes National Park, a major tourist attraction.
Designated a UNESCO World Heritage attraction in 1979, the sixteen forest-clad lakes lie at different altitudes and are connected by spectacular waterfalls. The tallest is 70 metres high.
These lovely falls are located in Plitvice Lakes National Park, a major tourist attraction.
Designated a UNESCO World Heritage attraction in 1979, the sixteen forest-clad lakes lie at different altitudes and are connected by spectacular waterfalls. The tallest is 70 metres high.
Sunday, December 14, 2014
Laja Waterfall in Chile
Image from desktopnexus
The Salto de Laja is a series of four waterfalls on the Laja River, a few kilometers south of the Chilean city of Los Angeles, along the Pan American Highway.
These impressive cascades can be viewed from car and foot bridges. Those who want to get closer to the water can take a tour and view the falls from a motor boat.
Historically a spiritual site revered by the indigenous Mapuche people, the area is now a major tourist attraction, with fishing, kayaking, swimming, horse back riding and nature tours available for the many travellers who stay in the nearby hotels.
Left photo wikimedia
Below: photo from Hello Chile
The Salto de Laja is a series of four waterfalls on the Laja River, a few kilometers south of the Chilean city of Los Angeles, along the Pan American Highway.
These impressive cascades can be viewed from car and foot bridges. Those who want to get closer to the water can take a tour and view the falls from a motor boat.
Historically a spiritual site revered by the indigenous Mapuche people, the area is now a major tourist attraction, with fishing, kayaking, swimming, horse back riding and nature tours available for the many travellers who stay in the nearby hotels.
Left photo wikimedia
Below: photo from Hello Chile
Saturday, December 13, 2014
La Paz waterfall in Costa Rica
Picture by Suzan Colon
This spectacular falls drops from the slopes of Poas Volcano in Costa Rica's central highlands.
La Paz Waterfall Gardens, with its five cascades, contains gardens full of orchids, bromeliads and hummingbirds and is also the site of the world's largest butterfly observatory. Located in an area of astonishing biodiversity, it also affords closeup views of a variety of frogs and snakes.
This spectacular falls drops from the slopes of Poas Volcano in Costa Rica's central highlands.
La Paz Waterfall Gardens, with its five cascades, contains gardens full of orchids, bromeliads and hummingbirds and is also the site of the world's largest butterfly observatory. Located in an area of astonishing biodiversity, it also affords closeup views of a variety of frogs and snakes.
Friday, December 12, 2014
Pamukkale in Turkey
Image from greentraveller
Literally translated from the Turkish as cotton castle, this series of falls and pools is hauntingly beautiful. Nearby Hierapolis, a city around the mineral spa, was destroyed by an earthquake in 60 CE and rebuilt afterwards. Many ruins from the Greco-Roman period can be seen here. The mineral rich pools are good for wading and bathing; however, the smooth surfaces are very slippery.
Hierapolis-Pamukkale is a UNESCO Heritage site.
Literally translated from the Turkish as cotton castle, this series of falls and pools is hauntingly beautiful. Nearby Hierapolis, a city around the mineral spa, was destroyed by an earthquake in 60 CE and rebuilt afterwards. Many ruins from the Greco-Roman period can be seen here. The mineral rich pools are good for wading and bathing; however, the smooth surfaces are very slippery.
Hierapolis-Pamukkale is a UNESCO Heritage site.
Thursday, December 11, 2014
Zmeika River waterfall in Russia
Image from panoramio
Sochi, Russia, was the scene of the 2014 Winter Olypics. Here, in the Caucusus Mountains, the Zmeika River drops in a cascade from a mountain of the same name.
Thespectacular Zmeika Waterfall is actually a series of falls with a lovely bathing pool at the bottom.
Nearby, natural clean water flows from the Emerald spring.
Sochi, Russia, was the scene of the 2014 Winter Olypics. Here, in the Caucusus Mountains, the Zmeika River drops in a cascade from a mountain of the same name.
Thespectacular Zmeika Waterfall is actually a series of falls with a lovely bathing pool at the bottom.
Nearby, natural clean water flows from the Emerald spring.
Wednesday, December 10, 2014
Latefossen Waterfall Norway
Image from photobucket
This remarkable waterfall is located in Oddadalen, in the Norwegian county of Hordaland.
This twin cascade has a total vertical drop of 165 m, descending from the mountain plateau in Europe, Hardangervidda.
It is part of a protected watershed, and can be viewed from the bridge, which dates back to 1859.
Tuesday, December 9, 2014
Blood Falls, Antarctica
Image from Smithsonian
As explained in Amusing Planet, Blood Falls is home to an ancient community of microbes that have evolved in isolation, living off the minerals that lie beneath the ice and snow.
In 1911, geologist Griffith Taylor discovered the blood-red falls and theorized that algae caused the coloration. It's since been confirmed that a saltwater lake rich in iron lies beneath the ice and feeds the falls.
As explained in Amusing Planet, Blood Falls is home to an ancient community of microbes that have evolved in isolation, living off the minerals that lie beneath the ice and snow.
In 1911, geologist Griffith Taylor discovered the blood-red falls and theorized that algae caused the coloration. It's since been confirmed that a saltwater lake rich in iron lies beneath the ice and feeds the falls.
Monday, December 8, 2014
Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, Iceland
Image from buddytricks
120 kilometers east of Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland, lies this amazing waterfall.
A trail leads around the falls, making it possible to walk behind and look through the curtain of water.
More Trip Advisor photos of Seljalandsfoss falls are available here.
120 kilometers east of Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland, lies this amazing waterfall.
A trail leads around the falls, making it possible to walk behind and look through the curtain of water.
More Trip Advisor photos of Seljalandsfoss falls are available here.
Sunday, December 7, 2014
Detian Waterfall, China - Vietnam border
Image from buddytricks.com
The unusual Detian/Banyue waterfall is located on the Guichun River between China and Vietnam.
Many visitors approach through the Chinese city of Nanning, about 100 k from the falls.
This unusual waterfall is surrounded by rice paddies.
The unusual Detian/Banyue waterfall is located on the Guichun River between China and Vietnam.
Many visitors approach through the Chinese city of Nanning, about 100 k from the falls.
This unusual waterfall is surrounded by rice paddies.
Saturday, December 6, 2014
Victoria Falls
Image from Zambezi Sun Hotel
The most famous cataract in Africa, Victoria Falls is located on the Zambezi River, the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia.
Spray from the 100 metre high waterfall is visible for fifty kilometers. The bridge provides a stunning view: a series of gorges on the river, a huge basalt cliff opposite the falls, and the Boiling Pot can all be seen from there.
Built in England, then transported by sea and rail via Mozambique, this remarkable structure was opened in 1905 by the son of Charles Darwin. It is considered by the American Society of Civil Engineers to be a landmark in civil engineering.
In this video, a guide brings a group of young women to swim at the top of the waterfall. He does a back flip into the pool and the group sits on the very brim, in the 'devil's armchair,' just above the drop. Recently, two men made history by crossing the falls on a high wire.
Some like to bungee jump at this famous place. Here's a view of the falls from a helicopter.
The most famous cataract in Africa, Victoria Falls is located on the Zambezi River, the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia.
Spray from the 100 metre high waterfall is visible for fifty kilometers. The bridge provides a stunning view: a series of gorges on the river, a huge basalt cliff opposite the falls, and the Boiling Pot can all be seen from there.
Built in England, then transported by sea and rail via Mozambique, this remarkable structure was opened in 1905 by the son of Charles Darwin. It is considered by the American Society of Civil Engineers to be a landmark in civil engineering.
In this video, a guide brings a group of young women to swim at the top of the waterfall. He does a back flip into the pool and the group sits on the very brim, in the 'devil's armchair,' just above the drop. Recently, two men made history by crossing the falls on a high wire.
Some like to bungee jump at this famous place. Here's a view of the falls from a helicopter.
Friday, December 5, 2014
Fukuroda Waterfall, Japan
Image from mustlovejapan
Fukuroda Falls is one of hundreds of waterfalls in Japan. It is approximately 120 m tall and 73 m wide.
Located on the Taki River in Ibaraki prefecture, this astonishing natural wonder consists of four separate falls, all of which can be seen from two separate observatories, accessible by tunnels and elevators.
Fukuroda Falls is one of hundreds of waterfalls in Japan. It is approximately 120 m tall and 73 m wide.
Located on the Taki River in Ibaraki prefecture, this astonishing natural wonder consists of four separate falls, all of which can be seen from two separate observatories, accessible by tunnels and elevators.
Thursday, December 4, 2014
Wailua Falls, Kauai, Hawaii
Photo by Ewok Slayer
There are two waterfalls with this name in Hawaii. This one is on Kauai.
According to John Derrick, at times of heavy rain, the dual falls becomes a single heavy spate.
He also gives tips for hiking and viewing tha falls, and warns against jumping off into the pool, no matter how inviting it looks. Some lovely pictures can be seen here.
There are two waterfalls with this name in Hawaii. This one is on Kauai.
According to John Derrick, at times of heavy rain, the dual falls becomes a single heavy spate.
He also gives tips for hiking and viewing tha falls, and warns against jumping off into the pool, no matter how inviting it looks. Some lovely pictures can be seen here.
Wednesday, December 3, 2014
Iguazu Falls, Argentina
Image from The Telegraph
The great bowl-shaped waterfall of Iguazu lies on the border between Brazil and Argentina.
The many cascades that comprise the falls create spectacular sprays and the area is home to vast numbers of subtropical rainforest plants. Local wildlife includes tapirs, jaguars, caymans, giant anteaters and howler monkeys.
Iguazu National Park has been a UNESCO heritage site since the early 1980s.
The great bowl-shaped waterfall of Iguazu lies on the border between Brazil and Argentina.
The many cascades that comprise the falls create spectacular sprays and the area is home to vast numbers of subtropical rainforest plants. Local wildlife includes tapirs, jaguars, caymans, giant anteaters and howler monkeys.
Iguazu National Park has been a UNESCO heritage site since the early 1980s.
Tuesday, December 2, 2014
Virginia Falls, Northwest Territories
Situated in the remote Nahanni National Park, which has no roads, this gorgeous waterfall is accessible only to those who are willing to hike in or those who arrive at the day use site by air.
The falls is located on the South Nahanni River, a major tributary of the Liard. This waterfall and the whitewater river rafting are major attractions in the Northwest Territories.
Monday, December 1, 2014
Greenland ice cap melt creates waterfalls
Image from pbs.org
Seeing the water pouring off the glaciers is undoubtedly a seasonal phenomenon.
Still, it makes you wonder. Do they refreeze? As they recede, how fast are they raising the levels of the world's oceans?
In recent years, the tundra beneath the Greenland ice cap is being ever more exposed. Yet while arctic grazing animals fatten, polar bears lose ice habitat.
Now crops like tomatoes and strawberries grow above the Arctic Circle. Interesting. But considered from a larger context, isn't this rather bad news?
Seeing the water pouring off the glaciers is undoubtedly a seasonal phenomenon.
Still, it makes you wonder. Do they refreeze? As they recede, how fast are they raising the levels of the world's oceans?
In recent years, the tundra beneath the Greenland ice cap is being ever more exposed. Yet while arctic grazing animals fatten, polar bears lose ice habitat.
Now crops like tomatoes and strawberries grow above the Arctic Circle. Interesting. But considered from a larger context, isn't this rather bad news?