Kilimanjaro Nationalk Park - Tanzania
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KDubs
S 03° 03.900 E 037° 21.513
37M E 317582 N 9661082
Mount Kilimanjaro is a snow-capped peak rising above the savannas of eastern Africa, just 200 miles south of the equator. With a summit of 19,341 feet, this is Africa’s tallest mountain. It is also the world’s largest free-standing mountain.
Waymark Code: WM76AV
Location: Tanzania
Date Posted: 09/08/2009
Views: 13
Formation
Mount Kilimanjaro was formed about 3 million years ago during the formation if the Great Rift Valley. Then nearly a million years ago volcanic activities centered on a few specific points. Kilimanjaro is not one single mountain peak but rather three volcanoes lying practically on top of one another. The lowest summit, Shira, at 12,995 feet last erupted half a million years ago and is now considered extinct. The other two peaks are dormant and have not erupted for centuries. Mawenzi, at 16,896 feet is linked to the highest summit, Kibo, by a broad ridge which gives the summit of Kilimanjaro a “saddle” shape.
Climate Zones
Because of its height, there are five climate zones to Kilimanjaro:
The Lower Slopes/Culitvation - Between 2,600 feet and 5,900 feet, this are experiences tropical conditions. An average of 45 inches of rain falls there each year. The lowlands are now densely cultivated with coffee and banana plantations.
Rain Forest - The zone between 5,900 and 9,200 feet receives the highest amount of rainfall, up to 78 inches per year. The moisture results in a belt of dense rain forest and mist. Brightly colored butterflies, toucans, and colobus monkeys can be found here.
Mooreland - The moorland zone is between 9,200 feet and 13,100 feet and is covered with heather and bright flowers. Above the heath is a black moorland where plants such as lobelias and groundels grow. Antelopes, vultures and elephants can be found here.
High Desert - Harsh conditions prevail in the alpine desert between 13,100 and 16,400 feet. The semi-desert region receives less than 10 inches of rain annually. Temperatures range from the mid 80s to below freezing at night. Some plans such as moss or lichens can survive here.
Arctic Zone/Summit - The summit zone above 16,400 feet is an icy wasteland, baked by fierce sunshine during the day and frozen at night. The thin air here contains half as much oxygen as at sea level. Here is where the glaciers can be found. It has been widely documented that the glaciers of Kilimanjaro have been melting due to rising temperatures.
Type: Natural
Reference number: http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/403
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