When you think about the largest waterfall on Earth, you might picture famous sites like Victoria Falls or Niagara Falls. But the real giant is hidden beneath the waves. It’s called the Denmark Cataract, found in the Denmark Strait between Greenland and Iceland.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) highlights this underwater marvel, which drops about 11,500 feet—almost two miles! The flow is staggering, estimated at 123 million cubic feet of water per second.
So, how can a waterfall be underwater? The Denmark Strait has several cataracts that plunge deep into the ocean. Starting around 2,000 feet down, these drops cut deeper as they approach Greenland, reaching depths of nearly 10,000 feet. Here’s the fascinating part: cold water from the Nordic Seas flows south and meets the warmer Irminger Sea water. The colder water is denser, causing it to sink beneath the warmer water. This creates an underwater waterfall effect and generates significant turbulence.
Interestingly, this phenomenon is undetectable from the ocean’s surface. Without the right tools, you wouldn’t even know it existed.
The Denmark Cataract reminds us that our planet has many hidden wonders and mysteries. According to a recent study by the Pew Research Center, interest in ocean exploration is growing. Many believe there’s still so much we don’t understand about the oceans and what lies beneath.
Just imagine: there could be more underwater waterfalls waiting to be discovered, adding to our knowledge of Earth. As we continue to explore, perhaps we’ll uncover even more of these spectacular natural wonders. For avid explorers and scientists alike, it’s an exciting time to delve into the depths of our oceans.
For more about why the Denmark Cataract is classified as Earth’s largest waterfall, you can check out the NOAA’s explanation here.
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