Waterfalls are found where a stream rushes over a cliff. Some stunning waterfalls have become tourist sites. Falling or fast -running water can be powerful. This power can be used to make hydroelectricity. Water is held back in a reservoir by a dam. When it is released, it turns machines called turbines to produce electricity for industry and home. Reservoirs also store water for use later.
Powerful River
In the 1960s, the Aswan High Dam in Egypt was built across the Nile River to provide hydroelectricity and water for irrigating farm crops. When it was built, the huge dam was thought to be a great engineering success. However, much land had to be flooded to create the enormous reservoir behind the dam. Aswan High Dam produces more electricity than Egypt needs.
Amazing Facts
*The Aswan High Dam is 1000 m wide and is built on sand and gravel. Its construction created the 160 km long lake.*
Roaring Falls
The African name for Victoria Falls is Mosi-oa-tunya, which means "the smoke that thunders." The water roars as it plunges over the cliff, and the spray flies 300m into the air. At their widest point the fall are 1,700 m wide and the water drops 108 m. Victoria Falls on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Rainbows are often seen near waterfalls because light shines through water droplets in the air.
Mighty Dam
Hoover Dam in the U.S. was built across the Colorado River between 1930 and 1936. The main part of the concrete dam is 221m high. Named after President Herbert Hoover, the dam is used for flood control, electrical power and water supplies.
Waterfall Stunt
Niagara Falls is one of the biggest tourist attractions in Canada and the U.S.. Forming part of the border between the two countries, Horseshoe Falls is 51m high and America Falls is 54 m high. The falls provide electricity. In the 19th century, stunt men rode over Niagara Falls in barrels.
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