Waterfalls, how do they form? A waterfall is a river or other body of water's steep fall over a rocky ledge into a plunge pool below. Waterfalls are also called cascades. The process of erosion, the wearing-away of earth, plays an important part in the formation of waterfalls. Waterfalls themselves also contribute to erosion. Often, waterfalls form as streams flow from soft rock to hard rock. This happens both laterally (as a stream flows across the earth) and vertically (as the stream drops in a waterfall). In both cases, the soft rock erodes, leaving a hard ledge over which the stream falls. (Definition: National Geographic)
Plitviče Waterfalls — Croatia (PHOTO - DAVID C TOMLINSON, GETTY IMAGES)
Waterfalls are perceived as beautiful because of their unique features. Not only do they create serene beauty, they depict healthy life. Waterfalls support the ecosystem. By helping to purify the water as they flow into different streams, rivers and lakes, they breathe life, that is, add oxygen, to the water sources where they flow, which helps aqua life live. Moving water is more easily oxygenated and purified than still water, there is a natural course flow with waterfalls as they connect and flow into multiple rivers, and this helps turn waste that runs into water into nutrients. As water passes over rocks, before flowing on, it forms bacterial growth that decomposes the water waste, and these nutrients help plants grow. Not only are they important for plant development, there are also many migratory organisms, such as varieties of fish and other marine life that live in waterfalls and rely on these nutrient sources to survive. ‘Waterfalls bring life’ into the rivers, streams and lakes they flow into. In the lushness of the jungle forests also comes plant scenery and wildlife, and where healthy water flows, life grows.
Not only are waterfalls important for our eco-system, they are also ‘important for human health’, both physical and mental wellbeing. Isn’t it interesting that we feel more relaxed and calm when we are near water features? This sensation comes from the negative ions the water releases as it flows down the rocks leading to the fresh water. Air ions are electrically charged molecules or atoms in the atmosphere. Some of these particles are positively charged (Positive Ions) and have gained some positive charge, and some are negatively charged (Negative Ions), and carry a negative electrical charge. In the natural world, positive ions are formed by humidity, strong winds, pollution and dust, and are at their highest levels just before an electrical storm.
Positive ions in the environment include forms of toxic chemicals, pet dander, pollution, pollen, mold, and other harmful chemicals in the air. Modern living (in cities, industrial areas and office buildings, which has more sources of positive ions), creates an imbalance in the air and the human body. Alternatively, negative ions have the opposite effect on the human body. Negative ions boost our mood and energy levels. They generate better health.
We inhale negative ions in nature in environments such as the waterfalls, oceans, forests, and mountains.
The release of negative ions has several benefits to the human body; an activating influence on some body systems and cognitive performance, improves on the cell metabolism in the body, improved mental health (helps relieve stress and alleviate depression), reduce free radicals (which cause damage to the cells, DNA and proteins in the body), helps regulate sleep and better mood patterns, help purify blood, promotes antimicrobial activity, and boost immune system function.
Negative ions are floating molecules in the air that have been charged with electricity (negative ions are statically attracted to airborne particles, such as dust, mold spores, pet dander, and other floating pollutants and potential allergens). These exist in nature in different places, such as: sunlight (including ultra violet rays), shearing forces of water (i.e. water collision scenes - mountains, waterfall, beaches), in discharges of electricity after a lighting strike or thunder, and they are also produced in the growth process for many plants and used as plant-based sources of energy.
We inhale negative ions in abundance in certain environments. Once the negative ions reach the human bloodstream, there is a positive reaction that increase levels of the ‘mood chemical’, serotonin. To experience the benefits of negative ions, it is best to go where they exist. They are everywhere in nature, so spend more time outdoors and try some of the negative ion therapy. Go to: parks, mountains, waterfalls, dense forests (especially pine forests), springs, beaches, or go outside after heavy rain and storms, or sit beside a decorative water fountain.
If you can’t travel outdoors, you can generate negative ions in your indoor work setting or home environment. Get some good vibrations and boost your daytime energy. Here are some ideas: walk barefoot outdoors, surround yourself in plants, burn beeswax candles, use a Himalayan salt lamp, run an indoor fountain, or sit in front of a bon-fire.
Feel recharged and rejuvenated with negative ions. Get into natural sources of energy, and optimize your limited time of Planet Earth.
The ANH&F Team
Sources: Healthline, Murchison Falls National Park, Web MD, Holistic Lakewood.
Comments