Denmark Strait cataract is the world's largest underwater waterfall

livescience.com December 20, 2024, 02:01 PM UTC

The Denmark Strait cataract, located between Iceland and Greenland, is the world's largest waterfall, plunging 11,500 feet underwater. It funnels cold water from the Nordic Seas into the Irminger Sea, impacting Atlantic Ocean currents. Unlike traditional waterfalls, the Denmark Strait cataract has a slower flow rate of 1.6 feet per second. It was formed by glaciers during the last ice age, and its structure is not visible from the surface or space. While other underwater waterfalls exist, none match the size of the Denmark Strait cataract, which spans about 300 miles wide. Its unique features contribute to global ocean circulation patterns.


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