Niagara Falls formed over 12,000 years ago.

It began at the end of the last Ice Age.

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Melting glaciers created the Great Lakes.

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Water flowed from Lake Erie to Lake Ontario.

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This water carved a path through soft rock.

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Harder rock layers slowed erosion.

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The falls slowly moved upstream.

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The Niagara River formed the gorge.

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Rock erosion continues to shape the falls.

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Disclaimer: This is a simplified explanation intended for general understanding. Geological processes are complex and may involve additional details.

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