The volcano Kilimanjaro, whose geographical coordinates were approximately known as far back as ll century BC by the Greek scientist Ptolemy Claudius, is the highest mountain in Africa, reaching a height of 5895 meters above sea level. However, from the base of the stratovolcano to its top, the height is 4900 meters. This difference in measurements is due to the fact that the mountain is located on the Masai Plateau, which is located at an altitude of 900 meters above sea level.
First meeting with Europeans
Despite the fact that the volcano was known to the local population many thousands of years ago, leaving a noticeable trace in the local cultures in the form of legends about its eruption, Europeans first discovered Kilimanjaro in 1848. As often happened at that time, the first European to go deep into the continent was the preacher and pastor, Johannes Rebman.
Of course, such a significant discovery could not go unnoticed by various adventure lovers and pioneers. The summit attracted the attention of various people and provoked a boom in interest in mountaineering. The first ascent of the mountain was made thirteen years after its discovery. In 1861, Samuel Tekel stopped at 2500 meters. Subsequently, Count Tekel made four more ascents, but did not rise above the mark of 5200 meters.
Kilimanjaro Volcano: geographical coordinates
The absolute height of the volcano is 5895 meters above the surface of the oceans. At the same time, it is worth remembering that, speaking of the Kilimanjaro volcano, it means that it has three peaks, each of which is also a volcano, has its own name and is located at a height different from the other two.
Shirou is one of them. It is located at an altitude of 3810 meters above sea level and has at its foot a flat plateau with an area of more than six hectares. Scientists say that in former times its height was much greater, but as a result of a strong eruption, the peak simply collapsed.
It is not difficult to determine the geographical coordinates of Kilimanjaro volcano , it is located just a few degrees south of the equator. The exact common location of the volcano is determined by the following indicators: 3 ° 4'33.17 "south latitude and 37 ° 21'12.15" west longitude.
The second peak is called Mawenzi and it is located on the eastern side of the mountain, reaching a height of 5334 meters. This peak, not being the highest, is considered one of the most inaccessible, since on the one hand it abruptly breaks off, forming a whole system of rocks, gorges and steep walls.
The highest peak is Kibo, which is separated from the peak of Mawenzi by a large alpine plateau. It is called the Saddle and attracts no less tourists than the mountain peaks of Kilimanjaro. Kibo's height is 5895 meters, but this is not the most interesting thing that a volcano can offer travelers. Its crater has the shape of a caldera, that is, a vast plain surrounded by gentle slopes resulting from the collapse of volcanic walls.
Surrounding nature
The geographical coordinates of the Kilimanjaro volcano indicate that the mountain is located in a favorable climatic zone, therefore, on its slopes and at its foot you can meet a very diverse fauna and flora. The volcano is located in the East African country of Tanzania on the border with Kenya.
Beans, maize, sunflower and wheat grow in the foothills of Kilimanjaro. On the slopes, ancient forests grow, covering an area of several thousand square kilometers.
Of course, with a change in height, the flora also changes. For example, olive groves and junipers can be found on the dry western slopes, and grasses and lichens can be found on the heights.
Hydrology and geology
Naturally, such a large mountain range should also have its own characteristics in the formation of hydrological indicators. The main factor in the formation of river flows from Kilimanjaro are its glaciers.
Geological data indicate that over the entire period of its existence, the mountain went through three stages of icing, in each of which it either lost or acquired an ice cap.
Despite the fact that the coordinates of the Kilimanjaro volcano suggest the absence of snow, its height above sea level allows the ice to remain at the peaks for a considerable time, therefore, even in summer, some of the peaks are covered with snow.
It is in these glaciers that numerous rivers and rivulets originate, which allow peasants living at the foot of the mountain to irrigate their fields.