Page 141 - Super Earth Encyclopedia

OUT OF

THE BLUE

ANGEL FALLS

In the Gran Sabana region of Venezuela, the landscape
is dominated by dramatic flat-topped mountains called
tepuis. One of the biggest is known as Auyán-tepui,
meaning the “Devil’s Mountain.” Tropical rain feeds a
river that plunges over its sheer cliff, creating the world’s
highest uninterrupted waterfall—Angel Falls. The height
from which this spectacular waterfall plummets is so
great that much of the water is blown away as fine mist
long before it cascades through the dense forest at the
base of the mountain.

AT A GLANCE
• LOCATION Southeastern Venezuela,

South America
• TOTAL HEIGHT 3,212 ft (979 m)
• LONGEST DROP 2,648 ft (807 m)

• WIDTH AT BASE 492 ft (150 m)

STATS AND FACTS

RECORD BREAKER LOCAL NAME
Angel Falls are
part of Venezuela’s Angel Falls is Known locally
as Kerepakupai
more than twice
dramatic Canaima the height of the Vená, meaning
National Park. More Empire State “waterfall of the
than 60 percent of the Building. deepest place.”
park is dominated by
spectacular tepuis, The total height of 3,212 ft
including Angel Falls. (979 m) includes the cascade and
TOTAL HEIGHT rapids at the base of Angel Falls
as well as the longest drop. WATER WORLD
m 300 600 900 1,200
ft 900 1,800 2,700 3,600

139

US_138-139_Angel_Falls.indd 139 01/03/17 12:04 pm