Fact Check: The viral photo of the “Victoria Falls Fire” is actually Horsetail Falls in Yosemite, USA
Circulating image
A stunning photo of a waterfall glowing with fiery orange colors has gone viral on social media, with several Facebook posts claiming the photo shows Victoria Falls in Zambia. However, this claim is incorrect.
Fact: This photo of a horsetail falling in Yosemite, California
The waterfall in the photo is not Victoria Falls, but Horsetail Falls in Yosemite National Park, California, USA. This natural phenomenon is known as “fiery fall,” and occurs annually in February, when the sun aligns perfectly to illuminate the water flowing below the cliff, giving it a glowing appearance resembling molten lava. This effect only occurs during certain conditions, including clear skies and sufficient water flow, making it a rare sight.
Key differences between Victoria Falls and Horsetail Falls:
1. Location and geography:
• Victoria Falls is located on the Zambezi River, on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. It is one of the largest waterfalls in the world, measuring more than a mile wide.
• Horsetail Waterfall is much smaller, located in Yosemite National Park, and is a seasonal waterfall that only flows in winter and early spring.
2. Appearance and timing:
• The “fiery fall” effect of Horsetail Waterfall can be observed briefly in February each year when sunlight illuminates the water. Victoria Falls does not exhibit this type of phenomenon.
3. Fire fall effect conditions:
• The glow at Horsetail Waterfall arises from the angle of the sun’s incidence on the water of the waterfall at a specific time. This does not happen at Victoria Falls, which is lit differently due to latitude and surroundings.
conclusion:
A photo circulating on Facebook was misidentified as Victoria Falls, when it is actually Horsetail Falls in Yosemite, California. The “Firefall” effect is unique to Yosemite, and the image does not represent any natural event at Victoria Falls.
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