Studying Geology at Niagara Falls

The SEA SCHOLARS spent the day at Niagara Falls Park hosted by the Niagara Region Interpretive Programs Office.  Mike provided us with "rock star" status; parting the crowds for us and moving us through the high-traffic areas with ease.  Lines and crowds that would have taken us all day to pass through took us only an hour or so and allowed us to see all of the sights of the American Falls.  From our vantage point, the falls were so tall, it looked like they were coming out of the air!

Eric then led us on a 3.5-hour guided tour of the Niagara Gorge from Devil's hole to the flats along some of the most dangerous Class VI rapids in North America.  We learned that about 50% of the water is diverted through power plants above the falls so these rapids would have been even more powerful with 100% flow through the Niagara River.

The Niagara Gorge is a beautiful example of sedimentary rock geology.  We learned that the hardest rock (dolostone) is the top layer with various layers of limestone, shale, and sandstone beneath.  As we looked along the gorge, we could see the evidence of these layers in the different colors and textures.  Parts of the cliffs have fallen away, leaving their marks along the river in the form of huge boulders the size of houses!

It is amazing how many people were viewing the falls yesterday but very few were hiking along the gorge with us.  While Niagara Falls are spectacular, we are so glad that we extended our visit to enjoy the beauty of the gorge.  Thanks to Susan, Mike, Eric, Justin, and Barry for making this an amazing day of exploring the power of Nature!