The 7 Natural Wonders Of The World
Despite the modern trend of urban living, with over half of the world's population residing in cities, the appeal of nature remains undeniable. Amid the millions of kilometers of nature that span the Earth, certain attractions stand out as particularly breathtaking. An investigative journalist working for CNN conducted a study to identify the world's most incredible wonders, using statistical analysis to support his findings. According to his research, the most awe-inspiring natural wonders include Mount Everest, Paricutin Volcano, The Grand Canyon, Victoria Falls, The Harbor of Rio de Janeiro, the Great Barrier Reef, and the Northern Lights.
The 7 Natural Wonders Of The World
| Natura Wonder | Location |
|---|---|
| Mount Everest | Nepal-China Border |
| Paricutin Volcano | Michoacán, Mexico |
| The Grand Canyon | Arizona, United States |
| Victoria Falls | Zambia-Zimbabwe Border |
| The Harbor Of Rio de Janeiro | Rio de Janeiro, Brazil |
| Great Barrier Reef | Near the coast of Queensland, Australia |
| Northern Lights |
Norway, Sweden, Finland, Iceland, Greenland, Canada, and the U.S. state of Alaska |
Mount Everest
Mount Everest, the highest peak on Earth at 8,848 meters (29,029 feet), is known as a formidable challenge for climbers. It is part of the Himalayan mountain range and straddles the China(Tibetan)-Nepal border, with the summit marking the official boundary. Formed from metamorphic and sedimentary rocks over sixty million years ago, the mountain experiences harsh weather, often below -60°C (-76°F), and is a crucial source for major Asian rivers. It hosts unique wildlife like the snow leopard and Himalayan tahr, adapted to extreme altitudes.
Local Sherpa communities rely heavily on mountaineering tourism, but there is an ongoing debate about the ethics of endangering these guides. However, issues like melting glaciers and waste from expeditions have raised environmental concerns, emphasizing the need for sustainable practices. While Everest's height is surpassed by Mauna Kea's underwater portion, its peak remains the tallest above sea level.
Paricutin Volcano
The Parícutin Volcano in Michoacán, Mexico, a cinder cone volcano, remarkably emerged in 1943 in a farmer's field. This volcano, which is the youngest in the Northern Hemisphere, grew rapidly to a height of 424 meters (1,391 feet) during nine years. During its active phase, Parícutin released extensive lava flows and ash, covering approximately 25 square kilometers (9.7 square miles) and necessitating the evacuation of neighboring villages. Notably, the eruption affected the village of San Juan Parangaricutiro, with its church steeple now protruding from solidified lava. In its current dormant state, Parícutin presents a fascinating landscape of hardened lava and ash, drawing both tourists and geologists. Visitors can climb the peak and explore the area, which includes the striking sight of the encased ruins of the San Juan Parangaricutiro Church.
The Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon in Arizona reveals 1.2 billion years of Earth's history through its extensive rock layers, shaped by the Colorado River over billions of years. Spanning 447 kilometers (277 miles) in length, with widths up to 29 kilometers (18 miles) and depths over 1.8 kilometers (1.1 miles), it is both awe-inspiring and scientifically significant. The canyon's rust-red colors and sediment layers stretch endlessly, while its diverse wildlife includes 1,500 plant species, 355 birds, 89 mammals, 47 reptiles, 9 amphibians, and 17 fish. Visitors enjoy its grandeur through sightseeing, hiking, and rafting, making it a must-see on any U.S. road trip.
Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls, straddling Zambia and Zimbabwe, is the world’s largest waterfall, stretching 1,708 meters (5,604 feet) wide and plunging 108 meters (354 feet). During the wet season, about 500 million liters of water flow over the edge each minute, creating the largest continuous sheet of falling water on Earth. Formed by the Zambezi River and basalt erosion, the falls, known as Mosi-oa-Tunya or "The Smoke That Thunders," average 1,088 cubic meters per second in water flow. Tourists from around the globe flock to this site for a range of experiences: viewing the falls from multiple vantage points, swimming close to the fall's edge in the low season, and even bungee jumping off the Victoria Falls Bridge.
The Harbor Of Rio de Janeiro
The Harbor of Rio de Janeiro, or Guanabara Bay, in southeastern Brazil, is the world's largest natural bay by volume. The bay, covering 412 square kilometers with depths of up to 17 meters (56 feet), boasts notable landmarks such as Sugarloaf Mountain and Morro Cara de Cão. Its entrance, framed by granite rock formations and monoliths, creates an impressive visual landscape. Despite the harbor's evolution into a major economic and human activity hub, with elements like the city of Rio and popular beaches such as Copacabana, the bay's natural beauty endures. Many have been intrigued by how this particular blend of city life and nature merge into a harmonious and visually striking area. Lastly, the bay's strategic importance in Brazil is cemented in its central economic and cultural location.
Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef, off Queensland, Australia in the Coral Sea, is the world's largest coral reef system, stretching over 2,300 kilometers with 2,900 reefs and 900 islands across 344,400 square kilometers. Known for its biodiversity, it houses over 1,500 fish species, 411 types of hard coral, and a third of the world's soft corals. The reef also supports 134 shark and ray species, six of seven threatened marine turtle species, and over 30 marine mammals, serving as a critical breeding ground for humpback whales and a sanctuary for endangered species like the dugong and green turtle. Despite threats from tourism and climate change, the reef remains a major natural wonder, attracting visitors for diving and snorkeling. Conservation efforts aim to protect its vibrant marine life and colors.
Northern Lights
The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, are a stunning natural phenomenon seen mostly in polar regions, including the Arctic Circle. This light display features dynamic colors—greens, blues, and purples—created by solar wind particles interacting with atmospheric gases. The intensity and form vary with solar activity and Earth's magnetic field, often being most vivid during dark winter nights and near equinoxes. These moving colors result from electrically charged particles from solar flares interacting with Earth's atmosphere, producing a mesmerizing effect. Prime viewing locations are away from city lights, with the best sights in places like Norway, Sweden, Finland, Iceland, Greenland, Canada, and the U.S. state of Alaska. With a bit of luck, patience, and a warm jacket, you too might one day witness this breathtaking event!
Final Thoughts
Crashing waterfalls, soaring heights, and atmospheric phenomena — our home planet knows how to keep a crowd's attention. These features are not simply geographic; they often interweave with the miracle of biological life found nowhere else in the Universe. Victoria Falls, for instance, is twice the experience thanks to greenery and exotic creatures flying and swimming through its misty waters. As far as natural wonders go, auroral activity may be present on other planets that have magnetic fields and an atmosphere. Still, those barren rocks lack observers like you and me, and humanity is yet another wonder of our world.
