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Angel Falls: Water Disappears Before Reaching Ground
5 Jan
Summary
- Angel Falls plunges 979 meters, with an 807-meter uninterrupted free fall.
- The water disperses into mist due to air resistance, sustaining the rainforest.
- Discovered by pilot Jimmie Angel, its indigenous name is Kerepakupai Ven.
Angel Falls, located in Venezuela's Canaima National Park, stands as the Earth's tallest uninterrupted waterfall, with a breathtaking plunge of 979 meters. The near-kilometer-long drop is so dramatic that wind and air resistance cause the water to dissipate into a fine mist long before it reaches the dense tropical rainforest below. This airborne spray nourishes a unique ecosystem, supporting lush vegetation and vibrant orchids.
Known by the indigenous Pemón people as Kerepakupai Ven, meaning 'waterfall of the deepest place,' the falls gained international recognition after American pilot Jimmie Angel discovered them in 1933 and later crash-landed his plane nearby in 1937. The spectacular cascade originates from the edge of the Auyán-tepui, a massive sandstone tabletop mountain.
Reaching Angel Falls is an expedition in itself, involving flights, river journeys, and treks through remote terrain. This natural wonder, situated within a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a profound reminder of nature's raw power and enduring mystery, a humbling spectacle in one of the planet's most pristine environments.
