Kilimanjaro is truly considered a symbol of the Black Continent. There is a volcano in northeast Tanzania. Translated from the Swahili language, "Kilimanjaro" means "the mountain that sparkles." Its height is about 6 thousand meters, the diameter of its crater is 60 meters. Researchers believe that in fact Kilimanjaro consists of three separate volcanoes, each of which has its own history.
Geographic coordinates of Kilimanjaro Volcano
The volcano is located near the border with Kenya. Its coordinates are 3.0644209 south latitude, and 37.3582268 east latitude. No volcanic eruptions have occurred in the last 100-200 years. But in fact, he is sleeping, although it may seem extinct. The geographic coordinates of Kilimanjaro volcano can be indicated on the map in another way: 3 ° 04′00 ″ s. w. 37 ° 21′33 ″ c. For the first time in history, the volcano was mentioned in the manuscripts of the ancient historian Ptolemy in 100 BC. e.
Latitude of Kilimanjaro volcano: three peaks in one complex
The total area of the volcano is huge - it is about 389 thousand hectares. Since it is located on the territory between Tanzania and Kenya, as agreed by the countries, ascent is possible only from the side of Tanzania. In fact, Kilimanjaro consists of three parts. The oldest volcano, called the Shira, is now located in the western part of the main mountain. It is believed that once Shira was the highest point of Kilimanjaro. It turned into a plateau after one of the eruptions, and its height began to be 3810 m. Now you can even go to the Shira territory by jeep.
The second volcano from the Trinity is Mawenzi. Its height is 5334 m. Its peaks are impregnable, and only professional climbers can conquer them. Finally, the youngest and highest volcano is Kibo. The width of the central crater of Kibo is 0.8 m. Its top is due to the flat view of the mountain. The last eruption of Kibo occurred about 160 years ago. Its height is 5895 m.
The natural world of Kilimanjaro
Around the mountain is a national park with an area of 1700 square meters. km At the foot of the mountain agricultural plantations are grown - coffee, bananas, vegetables are cultivated. In the forest you can find rare exotic plants. This camphor, and bogey, and dozens of species of ferns. The wildlife is also diverse: here you can find small antelopes, colobus monkeys, leopards, various exotic birds.
Climate
The geographic coordinates of Kilimanjaro volcano and its size determine its own climate throughout the volcano. Wet winds constantly come here from the Indian Ocean, but, having failed to overcome the majestic peaks, they give their moisture to the adjacent forests. Thanks to heavy snows and rains, lush forests grow at the foot of Kilimanjaro, whose height reaches 3 thousand m.
If you look at the Kilimanjaro volcano on a map, you can see how already at a height of three kilometers a strip of forest ends, from a height of the fourth kilometer a semi-desert terrain originates. At an altitude exceeding 4 thousand km, a semi-desert territory begins. Here the temperature is around zero, there are practically no plants.
Snow cover of the highest African mountain
The geographic coordinates of Kilimanjaro volcano and its height are such that climbers who want to climb to its top are able to survive all types of Earth's climate. This is also due to the proximity of Kilimanjaro to the equator. In just a few days of climbing, you can see the tropical and arctic climate. On the territory of the volcano there are also overgrown tropical forests, replaced by heather valleys.
Despite the fact that the volcano is located near the equator, its peaks are covered with snow caps all year round. Now they are melting. If melting occurs at the same speed, then Kilimanjaro will be left without his snow cap by 2200. Despite the fact that the geographical coordinates of Kilimanjaro volcano remain unchanged, global warming can significantly affect its appearance.
During the hot season, tourists can see an amazing mirage. It seems that the top of the mountain soars right in the air. In fact, the bluish base of Kilimanjaro becomes invisible against the background of the surrounding savannah.