Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is a group of three large waterfalls in North America. They are located on the border between the United States and Canada. The city of Niagara Falls, New York, lies on the U.S. side. The city of Niagara Falls, Ontario, lies on the Canadian side. The waterfalls are part of the Niagara River, which flows from Lake Erie to Lake Ontario.

The three waterfalls are called Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and 'Bridal Veil Falls. Horseshoe Falls is the largest and curves like a horseshoe. Most of it is on the Canadian side. American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls are on the U.S. side. Water drops over a cliff, which is a steep rock face. The falling water creates mist that rises into the air.

Niagara Falls was formed during the last ice age. An ice age is a long period when large areas of Earth were covered by ice. When the ice melted, it released large amounts of water. This water began to flow through the land and formed the Niagara River. Over thousands of years, moving water slowly wore away the rock. This process is called erosion, which means the gradual breaking down of land by water or wind.

The Niagara River is an important part of the Great Lakes system. The Great Lakes are a group of five large freshwater lakes in North America. Niagara Falls helps control the movement of water between Lake Erie and Lake Ontario. The river and falls also produce energy. Water is directed through turbines, which are machines that spin to create electricity. This is called hydroelectric power.

Niagara Falls has been known to people for many centuries. Indigenous peoples lived in the area long before European explorers arrived. Later, the falls became well known in maps and travel accounts. Bridges, roads, and viewing areas were built over time. Today, the falls are surrounded by parks on both sides of the border.

Niagara Falls continues to change slowly. The edge of the waterfalls moves backward as erosion continues. Engineers now manage water flow to reduce damage and to share water between power use and natural flow. Niagara Falls remains a major geographic feature shaped by water, rock, and time.