Discover the hidden wonder of the Denmark Strait cataract, an underwater waterfall exceeding the height of Angel Falls. Learn how this geological marvel creates a unique underwater spectacle.
Some of the most stunning and spectacular sites on the planet are waterfalls. Not only are they beautiful, but these natural water breaks can have cultural significance, help shape landscapes, create microclimates, and even be used as a source of hydroelectricity. The tallest waterfalls on the planet can reach heights of over 1,000 feet, with millions of gallons of water spilling over them.
And while the tallest waterfall on land is Angel Falls in Venezuela, which stands at 3,212 feet tall, the tallest waterfall in the world is actually underwater.An underwater waterfall seems counterintuitive; however, experts consider the Denmark Strait cataract as the world’s tallest. The Denmark Strait cataract is an overflow that channels water through the Denmark Strait — which is situated between Iceland and Greenland. The cataract is a tall rock outcropping jutting towards the surface from the sea floor, and over the cataract’s edge, there is an The 123 million cubic feet of water passes over the cataract per second, which can put Angel Falls to shame. The water that flows past the Denmark Strait cataract is about 1,300 feet deep. However, as that water passes the cataract, only about 660 feet of that initial 1,300 falls towards the sea floor. The rest of the water flows over it to mix with warmer water. It’s common knowledge that heat rises. The same goes for warmer waters. Cooler waters from the Nordic Seas flow through the Denmark Strait and out towards the Atlantic Ocean. Before reaching the strait, some of the polar waters freeze, causing more salt to mix into the unfrozen water. This colder, saltier ocean water is denser and flows closer to the sea floor. As this water approaches the cataract, the warmer waters are pushed toward the surface, and the colder waters sink. The cold water then pours over the cataract towards the seabe
Waterfall Denmark Strait Underwater Angel Falls Geology
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Denmark Strait cataract: The world's largest waterfall, hidden underwater and unlike any other on landSascha is a U.K.-based trainee staff writer at Live Science. She holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Southampton in England and a master’s degree in science communication from Imperial College London. Her work has appeared in The Guardian and the health website Zoe.
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