Among the following famous waterfalls of the world, which one has the greatest vertical height of fall (total drop) in metres?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: The Salto Angel (Angel) Falls, South America

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Waterfalls are spectacular features of river erosion and are often highlighted in world geography for their height, width, or scenic beauty. Exam questions frequently compare different famous waterfalls and ask which one is the highest or largest by certain measures. This question focuses on the waterfall with the greatest vertical height of fall in metres among the listed examples, testing your ability to recognise Angel Falls as the tallest waterfall in the world.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • The waterfalls listed are Jog Falls (India), Victoria Falls (Africa), Niagara Falls (North America), and Salto Angel (Angel Falls) in South America.
  • We interpret greatest meterage in the fall as greatest vertical height or total drop.
  • We assume standard internationally accepted figures for waterfall heights.
  • Only one option corresponds to the world's tallest waterfall by vertical drop.


Concept / Approach:
Angel Falls, also called Salto Ángel in Spanish, is located in Venezuela and is widely recognised as the world's tallest uninterrupted waterfall. Its total height is close to 979 metres, with a continuous free fall of around 800 metres before hitting the slopes below. In comparison, Victoria Falls on the Zambezi River is extremely wide and has a powerful flow but a height of roughly 100 metres. Niagara Falls is famous for its volume and tourist attraction but is only about 50 to 60 metres high. Jog Falls in India is also tall but significantly lower than Angel Falls. Therefore, Angel Falls clearly has the greatest vertical drop among the options.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Angel Falls in Venezuela is often cited as the highest waterfall in the world. Step 2: Remember that its height is around 979 metres with a dramatic nearly 800 metre free fall. Step 3: Compare this with Victoria Falls, which is about 100 metres high but much wider and known more for its volume. Step 4: Note that Niagara Falls is much lower, roughly 50 to 60 metres, and Jog Falls is also tall but nowhere near 979 metres. Step 5: Conclude that Salto Angel (Angel Falls) has by far the greatest vertical height of fall, making it the correct answer.


Verification / Alternative check:
World geography references, encyclopedias, and tourism materials consistently list Angel Falls as the highest waterfall on Earth by vertical drop. Height data tables show Angel Falls at around 979 metres, while Victoria Falls, Jog Falls, and Niagara Falls have much smaller heights. This numerical comparison leaves no doubt that Angel Falls holds the record for greatest height among the waterfalls named in this question.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
The Jog Falls in India is tall and impressive but significantly lower than Angel Falls, so option A is incorrect when comparing maximum height. Victoria Falls is often described as the largest curtain of falling water due to its width and flow, but its height is only around 100 metres, far less than Angel Falls, making option B wrong. Niagara Falls is famous for its great volume and scenic beauty but is much shorter than both Angel Falls and Victoria Falls, so option C is also incorrect. Only Angel Falls in South America has the greatest vertical drop in metres among these choices.


Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes confuse largest with highest, assuming that because Victoria Falls or Niagara Falls are more frequently mentioned in media, they must also be the tallest. Another pitfall is to focus on national pride and pick Jog Falls without checking actual height values. To avoid such mistakes, remember that Angel Falls in Venezuela is the world record holder for height, whereas Victoria and Niagara are famous mainly for their width and volume of water.


Final Answer:
The waterfall with the greatest vertical height of fall is the Salto Angel (Angel) Falls, South America.

Discussion & Comments

No comments yet. Be the first to comment!
Join Discussion