Waterfalls, falls, cascade, chute, cataract, flume and even rapids are all names we use to describe when a volume of water drops from one level to another during the course of a rivers journey from source to sea.
Gothafoss, Iceland
The subject for Twitter’s regular photo sharing hashtag #FriFotos is waterfalls and undoubtedly it will be a pictorial tribute to the mightiest cascades on the Planet. Evocative pictures of nature’s awesome power showcased in some of its most photogenic forms, Iguassu, Niagara, Angel, Gullfoss or Victoria Falls will all feature and take our breath away with their spectacular majesty.
There will also plenty of photographs of smaller, less well known and only slightly less impressive falls from all around the World, from South America to Iceland, France to India.
Not all waterfalls are natural
Man-made cascade, Catalonia
There is something special about waterfalls, they have a kind of romantic appeal and it is a very hard bitten traveller that does not delight upon ‘discovering‘ a secret cascade along a well trodden path.
The sheer volume of water sometimes being ‘dropped’ from one level to another can be breath-taking. The roar of millions of gallons of water falling tens of metres or more can be deafening and often heard from some distance away. The tumultuous, irresistable water crashing against solid rock and relentlessly wearing it down.
Haxxa, small but perfectly formed
The most powerful falls usually provide a fine mist which carries on the wind almost as far, those getting close without the wisdom of wearing waterproofs will usually be drenched within a few moments. Often at higher altitudes this ‘precipitation’ can form ice on the side of trees and rocks.
Falling waters
Frozen falls water at high altitude
Personally I have yet to witness the sheer power of most of the more celebrated cascades and whilst I am obviously keen to visit them, the smaller falls that it has been my good fortune to visit, some not even named have provided plenty of opportunity to stand open mouthed at their splendour.
Gullfoss, Iceland, my most impressive falls to date
The profile picture I use on this site and on all social media sites is taken on the side of Gothafoss in the North of Iceland, and although not the largest falls still provides a spectacular site.
Climbers in Corsica
Impressive even at distance
Gives me goosebumps! I was at Mallyan Spout in Yorkshire just last week. Not on the scale of some of these, but as you said there’s something magical about a waterfall. Even better, I got a steam train ride too.