The World’s Tallest Waterfall Is Underwater and Crucial to the Atlantic Ocean

Learn about the how the Denmark Strait cataract helps contribute to currents in the Atlantic Ocean.

By Monica Cull
Dec 31, 2024 7:00 PM
map-of-Denmark-Strait
(Credit:AustralianCamera/Shutterstock)

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Some of the most stunning and spectacular sites on the planet are waterfalls. Not only are they beautiful, but these natural water breaks can have cultural significance, help shape landscapes, create microclimates, and even be used as a source of hydroelectricity. 

The tallest waterfalls on the planet can reach heights of over 1,000 feet, with millions of gallons of water spilling over them. And while the tallest waterfall on land is Angel Falls in Venezuela, which stands at 3,212 feet tall, the tallest waterfall in the world is actually underwater. 

The Denmark Strait Cataract

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