2 Remarkable Underwater Waterfalls in the World

2 of the most remarkable underwater waterfalls in the world are today’s focus. Yes, I did say “Underwater Waterfall”! Although, I am sure hearing about above ground waterfalls like Bridal Vail Waterfalls located in Utah (United States) , Niagra Falls (located between the United States and Canada, and Angel Falls (Venezuela) come first to mind. Underwater waterfalls have a special quality of there own.

An underwater waterfall only has a possibility of happening when there is an interaction between two main underwater currents, has a varying water temperature between warm and cold water, and deep ledge drop. Travelers suggest an overhead aerial view to have full appreciation of this natural phenomena. Some of the featured underground waterfalls examined here today are deeper, and have a longer drop under water then some of the waterfalls we see above land. And, these underground waterfalls have even been recognized by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientificand Cultural Organization) as one of the 266 natural sites for needed and natural value.

The existence of underwater waterfalls is often questioned. An underwater waterfall was not even a fully explored concept or reality until 1989, as was seen in a published article by John A. Whitehead, a senior scientist in the department of physical oceanography at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. Whitehead identifies the mysterious characteristics that create the underwater waterfall. Cataracts themselves are results of the process of convection (the transfer of heat by the bulk motion of a fluid).

Denmark Strait

The Denmark Strait Cataract is located on the southern tip of Greenland and separates it from Iceland. It has multiple cataracts located almost 2000 feet under the surface of the strait. It is home to one of the largest and true underwater waterfalls in the world. The height of the Denmark Straight Cataract itself is approximately 11,500 feet (3500 meters). And, when comparing both the overall height of the Denmark Straight Cataract (an extension of the Arctic Ocean) to the largest of land waterfalls at 3,212 feet (90 meters) the difference is paling to an observer. The high density of the cold water from the Nordic Seas versus the warm water from the Irminger Sea creates the waterfall in the ocean. (The cold water falls approximately more than 11,493 feet (3,503 meters), at least three times the height of Angel Falls.

A “cataract” waterfall on land by definition has a large, single vertical drop. The water usually falls clear of the bedrock versus a long cascading waterfall. The same works in the water based on land formation, which is a slope of bedrock to the ocean floor.For comparison purposes, Cataract Fallslocated in Indiana, United States is a visual example of what is hard to see happening underwater. The basin of a waterfall even has a mix of the various water streams that help form the rushing powerful falls. The water can be more easily studied and tested, but it is not advisable to drink. Cataracts can be deep and are difficult to study. There is much more we need to learn from them.

The Mauritius Illusion

Mauritius Island is not only beautiful, but it is home to over a 100 land waterfalls. The exact number is hard to confirm considering the vast amount of greenery. The island is location to a beautiful illusion of nature. It is a “simple” matter of flowing water currents that look like underwater waterfalls. The sand and silt deposits flow look like a waterfall, and it appears as if the island is in the process of sinking down a drain. The island itself is a geological hotspot and over the submarine Mascarene Plateau. A lava-covered piece of continent, dubbed ‘Mauritia’, is also located under the popular island of Mauritius.

A purposeful aerial view is suggested when traveling to Mauritius. An aerial view from overhead and afar highlights the sand and silt on the ocean floor running off, in a way that makes it look like they’re pouring down a waterfall. It creates an underground waterfall effect. It is possible to swim and surf over the “waterfall” below. A swim you will never forget!