No one list has been established as countries from around the world disagree as to which seven of the thousands of incredible natural wonders around the globe should be included on the list. Not long ago, CNN created their own list and here are the sites they included:
7. GRAND CANYON (UNITED STATES)
The Grand Canyon is located mainly in Arizona and was created over a 6 million year period as the Colorado River slowly etched it into existence. The canyon runs over 277 miles in length and can be anywhere from 4 to 18 miles wide depending on the area you are visiting.
Image credit: B Rosen
Most of the Grand Canyon can be viewed from points within Grand Canyon National Park, which is known for being one of the first national parks in the country. Over 5,000,000 people flock to the Grand Canyon each year, making it one of the most popular natural tourist sites on the planet.
6. GREAT BARRIER REEF (AUSTRALIA)
The Great Barrier Reef is, without a doubt, the single largest system of coral reef in existence today. The reef itself is found of the coast of Queensland in the Coral Sea and spans over 133,000 square miles.
Image credits: Leonard Low
The entire barrier reef system includes 900 islands and over 2,900 individualized reefs. Because the system was built by creatures known as coral polyps, the reef is also known for being the largest structure ever built by living organisms.
5. HARBOR OF RIO DE JANEIRO (BRAZIL)
One look at the view of the harbor of Rio de Janeiro and you won’t have any question left in your mind as to why the harbor itself was named one of CNN’s Natural Wonders of the World. The city is not only home to a natural wonder, but is the home to the Christ the Redeemer statue, recently listed as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Unfortunately, despite its significant beauty and world recognition, Rio de Janeiro is quickly gaining a reputation for being one of the most violent cities on the planet. While most of the crime is contained in low-income neighborhoods, the low-income and high-income neighborhoods nearly touch each other, drawing a very fine line between the upper class and the slums.
4. MOUNT EVEREST (NEPAL)
The peak of Mount Everest stands at 29,029 feet above sea level, making it the highest summit on the planet. The breathtaking mountain is part of the Himalaya range, which runs across High Asia through China, Tibet, and Nepal.
Mountain climbers of all levels of experience flock to Mount Everest annually. Most never make it to the summit, as the costs associated with such a trip are extraordinary. The mountain, while beautiful, is also deadly – having claimed the lives of over 200 climbers.
3. AURORA (NORTH AND SOUTH POLE)
While many of us look towards the north when we think of an aurora, the phenomenon can occur at both the North and South poles and are also referred to as the northern or southern lights. The spectacular light displays are caused by significant shifts of magnetic energy within the ionosphere.
The northern lights are usually visible from the islands surrounding Northern Canada, but have been reported as seen as far south as Maine. The southern lights have been spotted by those in southern Antarctica, Australasia, and parts of South America.
2. PARICUTIN VOLCANO (MEXICO)
Paricutin is one of few natural wonders that actually makes an appearance on several different lists of Natural Wonders. The mound is a cinder cone volcano located on the Michoacin-Guanajuato Volcanic Field in Mexico.
Image credit: FerdelaT
On February 20, 1943 a farmer and his family watched as a small fissure in their cornfield erupted into stones and ash as they worked. The first recorded eruption marked only the beginning for this massive volcano, which grew over 336 meters in one year alone.
1. VICTORIA FALLS (ZAMBIA AND ZIMBABWE)
The massive waterfalls at Victoria Falls are located on the borders of Zambia and Zimbabwe. They are known not only for their large size, but for their unusual natural design as well.
Rumor has it that the noise from the crashing falls is so loud it can only be viewed as peaceful. That’s a theory you’ll have to test for yourself.
Do you agree with the hot spots on this list? If not, keep your eyes on New7Wonders. They are responsible for creating the current list of Wonders of the World and are working on a new project known as New7Wonders of Nature. People from around the world will be able to cast a vote in a global poll. Make sure you cast your own vote!
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