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Waterfalls are found basically
wherever a stream or river flows over a steep hill or cliff. Their size can
be anything from a few inches to hundreds of feet. |
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Waterfalls do “die”
eventually. After a while, the water
flowing over the bed of the river erodes the rock so much that the steep part
or overhang that made the waterfall is filed down, creating rapids. After some
more time has passed, the rapids are smoothed out until it is just a stream
running downhill. (2) |
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Possibly the most famous waterfall,
though not the biggest, is Niagara Falls, Located between Lake Erie and Lake
Ontario. It is famous for many reasons, the most interesting of which the
large number of people to attempt-and sometimes succeed-the 5 second fall
from the top of the falls to the pool below. (1) |
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Their only purpose is not to
look pretty, however. Waterfalls are used to harness energy to power
factories and homes. This use of waterfalls was
especially popular in the 19th century. During the industrial
revolution, factories were becoming more and more prevalent. A renewable
source of energy was needed, and it was found in waterfalls. (1) |
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For more information on
waterfalls, try these sites: |
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1. http://www.geobop.com/World/Facts/Geography/Water/Waterfalls/
2. http://www.infoplease.com/ce6/sci/a0851580.html
3. http://v.webring.com/hub?ring=waterfallsring&id=26&hub
Site created by: Katie Greiner