Reference Edition
Geography Atlas
Waterfall Record

Kaieteur Falls

Kaieteur Falls is a high single-drop waterfall on the Potaro River, where Guiana Shield sandstone terrain creates a sharp rainforest escarpment edge.

Rainforest shield setting

The falls belong to the Guiana Shield, where resistant rock, high rainfall, and forested uplands shape the river corridor. Unlike broad cataract systems, Kaieteur is defined by a concentrated drop from a cliffed plateau margin.

Drop, plunge pool, and spray zone

Water descends from a sandstone edge into a plunge zone where turbulence, mist, and falling-water energy shape the immediate valley floor.

Rock

Sandstone edge

Resistant tableland rock supports the abrupt drop.

River

Potaro River

Upland drainage focuses flow at the brink.

Setting

Rainforest basin

Spray and humid forest margins define the local environment.