The correct answer is Angel Falls. Located in the Guayana Highlands of Venezuela, Angel Falls is the world's tallest uninterrupted waterfall, with a total height of 979 meters (3,212 feet) and a continuous free‑fall drop of 807 meters (2,648 feet). Its sheer vertical descent makes it more than twice the height of the Eiffel Tower.
Why Angel Falls Is the Highest
The height of a waterfall is measured from its highest point of plunge to the lowest point where the water hits the ground or a pool. Angel Falls descends from the flat‑topped mountain known as Auyán‑tepui, one of the massive table‑top mountains (tepuis) that dominate the region. The water flows over the edge of the cliff and drops almost entirely in free fall, creating a mist that can be seen from miles away. Its name honors Jimmy Angel, an American aviator who was the first to fly over the falls in 1933 while searching for a legendary gold‑bearing river.
Why the Other Options Are Incorrect
- Great Falls: There are several waterfalls named "Great Falls" around the world, including ones in the United States and New Zealand. However, none of these are even close to the height of Angel Falls; the largest Great Falls (in Paterson, New Jersey) is only about 23 meters high.
- Victoria Falls: Located on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the world due to its width and volume of water, but it stands at just 108 meters (355 feet) – far shorter than Angel Falls.
- Boyoma Falls: Situated in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Boyoma Falls is actually a series of seven rapids along the Lualaba River. It is not a vertical waterfall and does not rank among the world's tallest by height.
Therefore, Angel Falls is the highest waterfall in the world, and it is the only correct answer among the given choices.