In 1969, scientists conducted an extraordinary feat by completely draining Niagara Falls and unveiling a remarkable revelation.

Imagine stepping into a time machine and journeying back to 1969. As you arrive, you find yourself witnessing a truly awe-inspiring sight. What lies before you is not a mere desert but an extraordinary phenomenon—the complete absence of water at one of the world's most powerful waterfalls, Niagara Falls. During the summer and fall of 1969, the American side of Niagara Falls remained dry for a remarkable six months. This extraordinary event occurred as scientists sought to examine the rock face of the falls, concerned about its stability due to erosion—a natural process where water and wind gradually erode Earth's materials.

Niagara Falls is comprised of three waterfalls that span the international border between Canada and the United States. Together, they form the magnificent Niagara Falls. The three waterfalls, in order of size, are the Horseshoe Falls, the American Falls, and the Bridal Veil Falls. While the American Falls are situated entirely on the American side, the Horseshoe Falls predominantly lie on the Canadian side, separated by Goat Island. The smallest of the three, the Bridal Veil Falls, is located on the American side but separated from the others by Luna Island. The natural border between the United States and Canada, formed by these waterfalls, is an impressive sight.

Many doubted the possibility of tampering with nature's wild forces to halt the incredible water flow. Nevertheless, an ambitious feat was accomplished—a massive 600-foot dam was constructed across the colossal Niagara River to effectively shut down these astonishing falls. This ambitious endeavor involved diverting sixty thousand gallons of water per second so that the remaining flow continued over the largest of the falls—the Horseshoe Falls, located entirely on the Canadian side. Over twenty-seven thousand tons of rock were utilized in the construction of the dam, transported by more than a thousand trucks during the scorching summer of '69.

On June 12th, the American Falls ceased their continuous flow after more than twelve thousand years. The excess water was redirected towards the Horseshoe Falls, enabling researchers to conduct their studies. Although locals remained concerned about controlling such massive amounts of water, fearing a potential catastrophic flood or the loss of tourism if the falls could not be restored, visitors continued to arrive throughout that summer. They were granted a unique opportunity to witness a spectacle never before seen and never replicated since. During this period, a temporary walkway was even built just 20 feet away from the edge of the dry falls. This pathway facilitated the cleaning of the former riverbed, which was typically submerged, allowing tourists to explore the wild landscape normally hidden beneath the water's surface.

In the process of exploring the dried bottom of the falls, researchers stumbled upon an astonishing discovery—millions of coins thrown into the water over decades, forming a peculiar Niagara Falls piggy bank. While most of these coins were subsequently removed, one can only wonder who had the chance to collect them. In recent decades, as more tourists flocked to the area, numerous objects such as lost cameras, electronics, and personal belongings inadvertently dropped into the falls by careless visitors might be waiting to be found. The notion of draining Niagara Falls again and transforming it into a temporary desert has been considered, particularly in 2020 when the media reported the need for repairs or replacements of the century-old pedestrian bridges located above the tumultuous rapids.

Niagara Falls frequently captures attention, and many people mistakenly believe it to be among the tallest waterfalls worldwide. However, the truth is that in terms of height, there are nearly 500 other waterfalls around the globe that surpass Niagara Falls. For example, Angel Falls in Venezuela towers over three thousand feet. Nevertheless, what sets Niagara Falls apart is the sheer volume of water cascading over its edge. Typically, waterfalls of significant height do not possess such immense water flow. It is the combination of copious amounts of water and the falls' height that renders Niagara Falls truly breathtaking. Additionally, it may well be one of the swiftest-moving waterfalls on our planet.

The creation of the Niagara River dates back to the last ice age, which also birthed the entire Great Lakes Basin. Approximately eighteen thousand years ago, when ice sheets covered the Southern Ontario region, the Great Lakes Basin took shape as the ice gradually melted, releasing vast amounts of water into the basins. Most of the water we drink today is fossil water, with only one percent renewing annually while the remaining 99 percent originates from ancient ice sheets. The Niagara Peninsula emerged from beneath the ice approximately 12,500 years ago. As the ice melted, the resulting water began to flow downward, forming the Niagara River, Lake Erie, and Lake Ontario. It was a slow but transformative process that gradually carved out the stunning falls we admire today.

Notably, the Niagara River possesses a mesmerizing green hue—an indicator of its immense erosive power. Every minute, Niagara Falls discharges over 60 tons of dissolved minerals, including salts and finely ground rock. This abundance of minerals, combined with the turbulent flow, creates the mesmerizing coloration. The water of the Niagara River serves various purposes for the over one million people who have access to the area, spanning both the United States and Canada.