PowerPoint Presentation

10 Natural Wonders of the World

10 NaturalWonders of the World

Serengeti National Park Tanzania, East AfricaGreat Barrier Reef in the Coral Sea Qld, AustraliaGalpagos Islands Ecuador, Northwestern SAAntarctica South Pole, Southern OceanAmazon River Brazil, South AmericaMount Everest, Himalayas NepalIguazu Falls Brazil, South AmericaHa Long Bay - Qung Ninh Province, VietnamGrand Canyon Arizona, North AmericaSahara Desert on the continent of Africa North

Serengeti National Park Tanzania, East Africa

Serengeti National Park Tanzania, East AfricaThe Serengeti Migration is the longest and largest over land migration in the world. The Serengeti plains account for over 18,641 square miles and the migration itself travels 500 miles on the path from Tanzania to the Masai Mara Reserve in Kenya. Approximately 80% of the Serengeti plains are protected by the Tanzanian and Kenyan governments.

The Serengeti is home to over 70 larger mammals and approximately 500 different types of birds. Probably the most impressive part of the migration is the herds of wildebeests that blanket the plains. The migration will kill off around 250,000 wildebeests each year.

Quick Facts:Migration crosses Tanzania and KenyaSpans 18,641.1 square miles (30,000 square km)Longest and largest over land migration in the worldThe name Serengeti means "endless plains

10 Natural Wonders of the World _ Serengeti National Park

Galpagos Islands Ecuador, Northwestern South America

Galpagos Islands Ecuador, Northwestern South AmericaThe Galapagos Islands are located off the coast of Ecuador and account for one of the provinces of Ecuador. In addition to being a province of the country, the islands are also a national park and marine wildlife reserve. The area designated as the marine wildlife reserve is the second largest designated area only behind the Great Barrier Reef.

The Galapagos Islands gained their greatest recognition following the observations and publication of theOrigin of Speciesby Charles Darwin. The majority of wildlife and fauna have been introduced to the island as compared to native and endemic species. There are over 700 species of plants introduced to the islands as compared to approximately 500 native and endemic species.

The unique and intriguing wildlife is what draws most visitors to the islands. Some of the most unique and amazing creatures include the following: Marine Iguanas, Galapagos Tortoises, Galapagos Sea Lions, Galapagos Penguins and the Blue Footed Booby top the list for many people.

Quick Facts:Are both a national park and a biological marine reserveMost noted for unique and endemic wildlife3,040 square miles of land over 17,000 square miles of oceanRecognized as a World Heritage site UNESCO: declared in 197810 Natural Wonders of the World - The Galapagos Islands

Amazon River Brazil, South America

Amazon River Brazil, South AmericaThe Amazon Rainforest or Amazon Jungle is a tropical forest that covers the majority of the Amazon Basin. The majority, 1.4 billion acres (500,000 square km), of the 1.7 billion acres (7 million square km) basin is covered by the Amazon forests. The Amazon Rainforest is so large that it accounts for over half of the world's remaining rainforest.

The Amazon Jungle is housed primarily in Brazil which accounts for approximately 60% of the forest. Peru has the second greatest representation with 13%. The Amazon Rainforest is the greatest collection of plant and animal life; 1 in 10 species from around the world are found in the Amazon. The Amazon Jungle is home to approximately 427 mammals, 378 reptiles, 428 amphibians, 1,294 birds, 3,000 fish, 40,000 plants and 2.5 million insect species. One in five of all birds are found in the Amazon. The Amazon Jungle also provides the greatest collection of wildlife that poses risk of harm to mankind. The rainforest also accounts for 438,000 difference species of plants that have economical, pharmaceutical, or social value.

Quick Facts:Basin encompasses 1.7 billion acres (7 million square km)1.4 billion acres (500,000 square km) are covered by rainforestRainforest covers parts of Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Bolivia, Guyana, Suriname, and French GuianaAccounts for over half of the world's remaining rainforest10 Natural Wonders of the World - The Amazon River/Rainforest

Iguazu Falls Brazil, South America

Iguazu Falls Brazil, South AmericaIguassu Falls is the international name of the falls. The falls are located on the border of Brazil and Argentina and not far from Paraguay.

The majority of people note that the Iguassu Falls system is comprised of 275 independent falls over 1.67 miles (2.7 km), however there are some locals who argue that there are approximately 75 separate falls. The difference is accounted for by where you count the breaks in water both vertically and horizontally. At one spot, visitors can be surrounded by 260 degrees of waterfalls. Although the highest part of the falls measures 269 feet (82 m), the majority of the falls are around 210 feet (64 m).

Devil's Throat, Garganta del Diablo, which is the U-shaped start of the falls is often considered the most impressive part. Devil's Throat is the highest point of the falls measuring 269 feet (82 m) high, 492.1 feet (150 m) wide and 2,296 feet (700 m) long. Iguassu Falls is wider than Victoria Falls, however because it is split into numerous distinct individual falls over 1.67 miles (2.7 km), Victoria Falls has the claim to the largest single curtain of falling water.

Quick Facts:Internationally named Iguassu Falls; Known as Iguazu Falls in Argentina; Referred to as Iguacu Falls in BrazilConsists of 275 falls over 1.67 miles (2.7 km)Third in the world with average flow of water10 Natural Wonders of the World - Iguazu Falls (Iguassu - Iguacu)

Grand Canyon Arizona, North America

Grand Canyon Arizona, North AmericaThe Grand Canyon is a massive gorge located in the state of Arizona in the United States, and was created by the Colorado River. Although not the steepest nor the longest canyon in the world, the Grand Canyon is recognized as a natural wonder because of the overall scale and size combined with the beautifully coloured landscape.

The canyon offers a variety of lookouts and experiences that provide visitors with a view that cannot be matched.

Quick Facts:The canyon is 277 miles (446 km) longThe width ranges from 4 to 18 miles (6.4 to 29 km)The depth is over one mile (1.83 km)Majority is housed within Grand Canyon National Park

10 Natural Wonders of the World - The Grand Canyon

Great Barrier Reef in the Coral Sea Queensland, Australia

Great Barrier Reef in the Coral Sea Queensland, AustraliaThe Great Barrier Reef is the worlds largest individual formation created by living organisms.

As the largest coral reef in the world, the Great Barrier Reef includes over 900 islands, over 2,900 separate reefs, and supports one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world.

The Great Barrier Reef is possible the grandest natural wonder in the world and is the only wonder of nature that may be visible recognized from outer space. The reef stretches 1,600 miles (2,600 km) along the north eastern coast of Australia and it covers over 133,000 square miles (344,000 square km).

Quick Facts:Largest coral reef system in the worldConsists of over 2,900 separate reefsStretches over 1,600 miles (2,600 km)Can be seen from outer spaceThe 133,000 square miles (344,000 km) includes 900 islands

10 Natural Wonders of the World - The Great Barrier Reef

Antarctica South Pole, Southern Ocean

Antarctica South Pole, Southern OceanAntarctica pretty much has freehold on 'out-of-this-world' natural wonders, as long as you like your wonders to come in white, or maybe blue, or in some cases, stripes.

Antarctica, on average, is the coldest, driest, and windiest continent on the planet, and has the highest average elevation of all the continents. Although about 98% of Antarctica is covered by ice, it is technically a desert (the largest on earth) with very little precipitation.

Antarctica is colder than the Arctic because much of the continent is more than 3 kilometres (2 miles) above sea level, and because the Arctic Ocean covers the north polar zone transferring the oceans relative warmth through the icepack. Sea life of Antarctica include penguins, blue whales, orcas, and seals.

Quick Facts:Antarctica is the coldest continent; temperatures in the winter can drop below 73C (-100F).The lowest temperature ever recorded on Earth was at Russias Vostok Station in Antarctica: 89.2C (-128.6F) on 21st July, 1983.About 70% of the Earths fresh water is in the Antarctic ice cap.10 Natural Wonder of the World - Antarctica

Mount Everest, Himalayas - Nepal

Mount Everest, Himalayas - NepalMount Everest is the highest mountain in the world with the summit reaching a peak of 29,029 feet (8,848 m). It is located in the Himalayan mountain range on the border between Nepal and Tibet, China.

Mount Everest represent the highest spot on earth, but it is not the tallest mountain in the world. Mount McKinley in Alaska is the tallest mountain based on measurements taken from the base of the mountain, which is above sea level, to the peak. However, Mauna Kea in Hawaii is the actual tallest mountain in the world measured from its base, of which most of it is under water. Collectively, it rises 6.3 miles (10,200 m) from the base beneath the sea to the peak at 13,796 feet (4,205 m).

Quick Facts:Highest mountain in the world, represents the highest spot on the earth's surfaceSummit reaches a peak of 29,029 feet (8,848 m)Located in the Himalaya mountains on the border between Nepal and TibetAlso known as Chomolungma10 Natural Wonders of the World - Mount Everest

Ha Long Bay - Qung Ninh Province, Vietnam

Ha Long Bay - Qung Ninh Province, VietnamHa Long Bay is located in the Quang Ninh province of Vietnam traveling 120 km along the coastline and encompassing around 1,553 square km). The bay features a dense collection of 1,969 limestone monolithic islands that are covered with jungle vegetation.

Many of these monolithic islands feature caves, grotto, lakes and secluded beaches. Two of the larger islands are home to permanent residents and even tourism services. Many of the islands feature wildlife that includes birds, bantams, antelopes, monkeys, and lizards.

Quick Facts:Name means Descending Dragon BayThousands of limestone karsts and isles200 species of fish and 450 different mollusks10 Natural Wonders of the World - Ha Long Bay

Sahara Desert on the continent of Africa North

Sahara Desert on the continent of Africa NorthThe Sahara Desert is the largest hot desert in the world and the largest desert following Antarctica and the Artic.

The Sahara Desert covers over 3,600,000 square miles (9,400,00 square km). In comparison, this is approximately the size of the United States or China. This makes the Sahara the largest sandy or hot desert in the world.

The boundaries of the Sahara Desert stretch from the Red Sea on the east, the Atlantic Ocean on the west, the valley of the Niger river on the south, to the Mediterranean Sea on the north. The desert encompasses, at least in part, the countries of Algeria, Chad, Egypt, Libya, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Niger, Western Sahara, Sudan, and Tunisia.

The Nile river runs through the Sahara Desert throughout the year, but all other rivers only exist seasonally. Grasslands may be found in the northern and southern parts of the desert, but the centre region is extremely arid. The geography of the desert includes tremendous sand dunes and dune fields which may be described as a sea of sand. Additionally, there are unusual and unique landforms, stone plateaus, salt flats, gravel plains, and arid valleys.

Quick Facts:Largest hot desert in the worldCovers 11 countries and accounts for 3,500,00 square miles (9,000,000 square km)Sand dunes as high as 600 feet (180 metres)10 Natural Wonders of the World - The Sahara Desert

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