King Edward VIII Falls facts for kids
King Edward VIII Falls is a stunning waterfall located in the country of Guyana, in South America. It plunges about 260 meters (850 feet) straight down! This makes it a very tall and impressive single-drop waterfall.
The falls are found on the Semang River, deep within the Potaro-Siparuni highlands in southern Guyana. They were named after Edward VIII, who was a king of the United Kingdom for a short time.
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About King Edward VIII Falls
Where are the Falls Located?
The King Edward VIII Falls are in a very remote part of Guyana. They are found in the Potaro-Siparuni region, which is known for its beautiful highlands and dense forests. The water comes from the Semang River, which flows through this area.
How the Falls Were Formed
These amazing falls were created over millions of years. They are part of the Pacaraima Mountains, a large mountain range. The water has slowly worn away ancient rocks, mostly Precambrian quartzite and conglomerate. This process has carved out a natural amphitheater, which is like a giant bowl-shaped area, at the base of the falls.
Who Explored the Falls?
The King Edward VIII Falls were first noted by an explorer named Paul A. Zahl in 1935. He even included a photograph of the falls in his book, "To the Lost World." Because the area is so remote and hard to reach, not many people visit these falls even today.
Why So Many King Falls?
It can be a bit confusing, but there are several waterfalls in Guyana named after kings! King Edward VIII Falls is sometimes mixed up with another waterfall called King Edward VI Falls. This other waterfall is actually a long series of rapids on the New River.
It's also important not to confuse King Edward VIII Falls with King George VI Falls. King George VI Falls is another very tall waterfall located closer to the Venezuelan border. The tradition of naming waterfalls after kings has led to some long-standing confusion about which falls are which!
See also
In Spanish: Cataratas Rey Eduardo VIII para niños
