Undoubtedly, Niagara Falls is one of the greatest wonders of nature. In some circles thereis a concern among environmentalists about the rate of erosion of the falls located across Canada and the USA. However, the rate of erosion has slowed over the past fifty years.
Erosion that occurred in the past has led to the present-day location of the falls with the Horseshoe Falls in Canada and the American and Bridal Veil Falls in the USA. Historically, the rate of erosion of the falls has been around 3 feet per year. During the last 12,300 years, it has eroded 11.4 kms. The Niagara Falls has retreated from Lake Ontario towards Lake Erie in the last 200 years at a yearly rate of 5 feet. However, since 1942, the rate of erosion has reduced. Due to remedial efforts, the current erosion rate has come down to about 1 foot per year.
Causes of Niagara Falls Erosion
- As a result of the rush and flow of water, weak pieces of rock are broken and carried away.
- Due to the cold weather in this part of the world, the constant freezing and thawing of the rocks lead to breakage.
- Rock falls which happen on and off weaken rock layers.
- Minerals which strengthen the rocks are also washed away when water lashes against the fissures in the rocks.
Around 11,000 years ago, the location of the Niagara Falls lay between present-day Queenston, Ontario and Lewiston, New York. Since then, the falls have retreated southward due to erosion leading to its present location. One of the reasons for the decline in the rate of erosion today is due to its current location.
Reasons for Reduced Erosion
- The water currently flows over limestone cap rock which is far more resistant to erosion than other rocks. Many years into the future, when the falls will reach a softer layer of rock, the rate of erosion will increase once again.
- The rate of water-flow down the falls has decreased due to the development of hydroelectric generation plants. These have been created through water diversion along the Niagara River’s shoreline. Reduced water flow has led to slower erosion.
- Engineers are also working on a regular basis to reduce the rate of erosion through various remedial measures like repairing faults and constructing underwater weirs.
The Future of Niagara Falls
The rate of erosion is expected to come down even further due to environmentalefforts. Some estimates suggest that it could be reduced to only 1 foot in 10 years. However, one can never predict the future and climate change will play a key role in deciding the future of the falls. A major rock fall too could alter the erosion of the falls. There are some scientists who speculate that the American Falls could dry up in 2000 years even though it has a slow rate of erosion. All things considered, even at the reduced rate of erosion, the Niagara Falls may no longer exist in around 50,000 years from now.
In short, Niagara Falls won’t be eroding away any time soon. See thisphenomenonin all of it’s natural splendour by booking a visit to Niagara Falls today.
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FAQs
Retreat for the last 500+ years was between three to five feet per year; the rate now is estimated to be about one foot per year. Climate change models predict drier conditions in the Great Lakes watershed in the future, potentially slowing the rate of erosion and retreat of Niagara Falls.
What is the rate of erosion of Niagara Falls? ›
Retreat for the last 500+ years was between three to five feet per year; the rate now is estimated to be about one foot per year. Climate change models predict drier conditions in the Great Lakes watershed in the future, potentially slowing the rate of erosion and retreat of Niagara Falls.
Was Niagara Falls formed by erosion? ›
The formation of Niagara Falls was a slow process that still continues today. The annual freezing and thawing of the Niagara River wears away at the rocks under the surface and gradual erosion and periodic rockfalls steadily move Niagara Falls farther upstream.
How have engineers slowed the rate of erosion at Niagara Falls? ›
The development of hydro electric generating plants through water diversion along the shoreline of the Niagara River has vastly reduced the rate of water flow.
What percentage of water goes over Niagara Falls? ›
The water that flows over Niagara Falls is at 25-50% capacity at any given time. The "Big Bridge" in Lockport, New York is one of the widest bridges in America, measuring at 399 feet wide.
How fast does Niagara Falls fall? ›
The fastest speeds occur at the Falls: 68 mph has been recorded at Niagara Falls. The water through the Whirlpool Rapids below the falls reaches 48 km/hr or 30 mph, and at The Niagara River is a connecting channel between two Great Lakes, Erie and Ontario.
What is the survival rate of Niagara Falls? ›
The first recorded person to survive going over the falls was school teacher Annie Edson Taylor, who in 1901 successfully completed the stunt inside an oak barrel. In the following 123 years, thousands of people have been swept over the falls but only sixteen people have reportedly survived the feat.
How much have Niagara Falls receded in the past 200 years? ›
Niagara Falls has moved back 7 miles (roughly 11 km) over 12,000 years, making it one of the fastest moving waterfalls in the world. The Falls has retreated from Lake Ontario towards Lake Erie at a rate of 5 feet per year in the last 200 years.
Can you swim in Niagara Falls? ›
Is Swimming Allowed? Swimming in the Niagara River is a complex topic influenced by various factors. While there are no specific laws prohibiting swimming in the river, authorities strongly advise against it due to the river's powerful currents, unpredictable nature, and inherent risks.
What is the flow rate of the Niagara Falls? ›
3,160 tons of water flows over Niagara Falls every second. This accounts for 75,750 gallons of water per second over the American and Bridal Veil Falls and 681,750 gallons per second over the Horseshoe Falls.
The falls could be replaced by a series of rapids. 50,000 years from now, at the present rate of erosion, the remaining 20 miles to Lake Erie will have been undermined. There won't be a falls anymore, but there will still be a river at work.
Why was there no water at Niagara Falls in 1969? ›
But no feat has attracted more visitors than a scientific survey conducted in 1969. That year, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers turned off American Falls. The engineers wanted to find a way to remove the unseemly boulders that had piled up at its base since 1931, cutting the height of the falls in half.
What are 5 facts about Niagara Falls? ›
Quick Facts About Niagara Falls
- The Falls at Niagara are about 12,000 years old.
- Falls were formed when melting glaciers formed massive fresh-water lakes (the Great Lakes) one of which (Lake Erie) ran downhill toward another (Lake Ontario). ...
- Currently, Niagara Falls wears its way back another approximately 1 foot/year.
Historically, the rate of erosion of the falls has been around 3 feet per year. During the last 12,300 years, it has eroded 11.4 kms. The Niagara Falls has retreated from Lake Ontario towards Lake Erie in the last 200 years at a yearly rate of 5 feet.
When did they stop the water from going over Niagara Falls? ›
Believe it or not, it happened! In 1969, the iconic Falls transformed from thundering cascades to a silent cliff face over the Niagara Gorge when the mighty waters stopped flowing for the first time in some 12,000 years.
How deep is the water before it goes over Niagara Falls? ›
Today the water over the falls is spread out evenly at an average depth of 0.6 metres (2 feet) along the entire crestline.
What percent of Niagara Falls is diverted? ›
Currently between 50% and 75% of the Niagara River's flow is diverted via four huge tunnels that arise far upstream from the waterfalls. The water then passes through hydroelectric turbines that supply power to nearby areas of Canada and the United States before returning to the river well past the falls.
How many times has the Niagara Falls stopped flowing? ›
In 1909 and 1936, the flow of water over the American Falls ceased completely, and it has also slowed to a trickle on a number of occasions during severely cold winters.
