I WONDER - How Was Niagara Falls Formed?

Niagara Falls formed around 12,000 years ago as glaciers receded, creating the Niagara River, which flows between Lake Erie and Lake Ontario. The river carved out the falls over the Niagara Escarpment, a ridge of sedimentary rock. Continuous erosion and deposition of rock materials contribute to the falls' ongoing evolution.

Approximately how many years ago did the formation of Niagara Falls begin?

• 50,000 years ago

• 5,000 years ago

• 12,000 years ago

• 20,000 years ago

What natural event led to the creation of interconnected bodies of water that contributed to the formation of Niagara Falls?

• Tsunami

• Glacial recession

• Earthquake

• Volcanic eruption

Between which two lakes does the Niagara River flow?

• Lake Superior and Lake Michigan

• Lake Michigan and Lake Huron

• Lake Huron and Lake Erie

• Lake Erie and Lake Ontario

What geological feature does the Niagara River cascade over to form the waterfalls?

• A volcanic ridge

• A sedimentary rock ridge

• A granite plateau

• A limestone cliff

What process contributes to the ongoing evolution of Niagara Falls?

• Wind erosion

• Volcanic activity

• Sedimentary rock erosion and deposition

• Tectonic plate movement