Niagara Falls is undoubtedly one of the most breathtaking natural wonders in the world. With its powerful cascades and mesmerizing beauty, it's no wonder that it attracts over 22 million visitors each year. But have you ever wondered where all that water comes from and where it goes?
To understand the source of water for Niagara Falls we need to look at the Great Lakes system. The Great Lakes, consisting of Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake Erie, and Lake Ontario, are the largest group of freshwater lakes in the world. These lakes are connected by various rivers and channels forming a vast network of waterways.
The water that flows over Niagara Falls originates from Lake Erie, which is the fourth largest of the Great Lakes. Lake Erie acts as a reservoir, collecting water from the other lakes and rivers in the system. As the water from Lake Erie flows into the Niagara River, it eventually reaches the falls, creating the awe-inspiring spectacle that we all know and love.
Now, let's talk about where the water goes after it plunges over the falls. Once the water cascades down the falls it continues its journey downstream along the Niagara River. The river flows north, connecting Lake Erie to Lake Ontario. As the water travels along the river, it eventually reaches Lake Ontario, which is the smallest of the Great Lakes.
From Lake Ontario, the water continues its journey towards the St. Lawrence River, which serves as the outlet for the Great Lakes system. The St. Lawrence River flows northeast eventually emptying into the Atlantic Ocean. So, in essence, the water from Niagara Falls eventually makes its way to the vast expanse of the ocean.
It's important to note that the flow of water over Niagara Falls is regulated by the International Joint Commission (IJC), a binational organization responsible for managing water levels and flows in the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River. The IJC ensures that the water flow is balanced to meet various needs, including hydroelectric power generation, navigation, and environmental considerations.
The next time you visit Niagara Falls, take a moment to appreciate the incredible journey that the water has taken to create this natural wonder - from Lake Erie to the Atlantic Ocean.