History of Blank, Missing and Empty Things: Niagra Falls

JF Ptak Science Books  Post 1130   

[This is a very short entry in  the series on the History of Blank, Empty and Missing Things]

Perhaps one of the most difficult places in North America to collect thrown coins is at the base of Niagra Falls.  This was all made possible in the summer of 1969 when the water flowing over the falls went missing.  It actually was re-routed via a cofferdam which effectively turned off the falls so that engineers could clear debris and do scientific/geological work.

Nowadays there’s about 100,000 cubic feet per second that flows over the falls, fixed at about this level for the amusement of tourists.  At night, when viewing is limited, the flow is fixed at about 50,000 cubic feet, the water diverted to produce hydroelectric power.   But in the summer of 1969, the flow was virtually zero.  

So, officially, Niagra Falls didn't go missing--only the water did. 

Comments

[Ray Girvan]

That's a remarkable image. The amount of talus behind the waterfall (see enlargement http://www.niagarafrontier.com/image/Amfallsdewatered1.jpg ) is perfectly normal when you think about it, but quite unexpected. It explains why so many people have got thoroughly smashed up in attempts to dive (often in barrels) over the falls.

[John F. Ptak]

Yes, I agree all the way around Ray. Talus is a fabulous word, too.