Mount Kilimanjaro
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Wikipedia-Article "Mount Kilimanjaro"
| Mount Kilimanjaro | |
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 Kilimanjaro in 2004 |
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| Elevation: | 5,895 metres (19,340 feet) |
| Location: | Tanzania |
| Prominence: | 5,885 m |
| Coordinates: | 3°4′S, 37°21′E |
| Type: | Stratovolcano |
| Age of rock: | |
| Last eruption: | None in recorded history |
| First ascent: | 1889 by Hans Meyer and Ludwig Purtscheller |
| Easiest route: | scramble |
Kilimanjaro is a mountain in northeastern Tanzania. It includes the highest peak in Africa. Although believed to be extinct by many, this volcano is very much active. Fumaroles emit gas in the crater on the main summit of Kibo. Scientists concluded in 2003 that molten lava is just 400 metres below the summit crater. Although new activity is not expected, there are fears the volcano may collapse, causing a major eruption similar to Mount St. Helens. Several collapses and landslides have occurred on Kibo in the past, one creating the area known as the western breach. Although there is no recorded history of eruptions, local legend speaks of activity around 170 years ago.
The highest point is Uhuru Peak on the volcano Kibo, 5,895 metres. As the highest point in Africa, Uhuru Peak is one of the Seven Summits. The summit was first reached by the German Hans Meyer and Austrian Ludwig Purtscheller in 1889. Two other peaks are also extinct volcanoes: Mawenzi (5,149 metres), the third highest peak in Africa (after Mount Kenya) and Shira (3,962 m).
An ascent of Mawenzi requires rock climbing and/or snow/ice climbing skills. The climb to Uhuru Peak is considered to be a relatively straightforward endeavour; however, ample time must still be provided for proper acclimatization to prevent altitude sickness. The three easiest routes, Marangu, Rongai and Machame can be climbed by a person of good health, and require no mountaineering experience. Many who climb employ altitude-sickness medication and find this to be helpful in preventing the pounding headaches that plague many travellers. Those who travel on the Marangu route usually take 4-5 days to complete their climb. Huts with cooking facilites, bathrooms, and (sometimes) electricity are available at each the end of each days' journey. The final part of the climb, from Kibo hut at 15,500 ft. to the summit, is generally undertaken at night, because the scree is frozen together, making the climb significantly easier. Gilman's Point, on the rim of the crater, but about 1 1/2 hours hike from Uhuru, is attained at 5:00 - 6:00 am; those who have the strength to continue may then hike on to Uhuru in the growing sunlight and rising temperatures. Another route is the Western Breach which is much more technical in nature. Annually, approximately 15,000 people attempt to climb the mountain, of whom 40% reach the summit.
At the summit, there is a sign posted by the Tanzanian government. The sign (printed in English only) reads, in part, "Congratulations! You are now at Uhuru Peak, Tanzania, 5,895 m. AMSL". The sign is covered in travel stickers from past trekkers who have left their mark on the top of the peak.
Due to the equatorial location as well as huge height, climbers can experience almost every climate type on earth during the journey to the top.
Kilimanjaro is also the highest point in the world to be covered by a GSM mobile phone network. The service is provided by Vodacom.
Current conditions
While the volcano appears to be dormant on the inside, it is the events that are taking place on top of the mountain that are drawing global attention recently.
The snow cap that has covered the top of the mountain for the past 11,000 years since the last ice age is rapidly disappearing. Over the past century, the ice cap volume has dropped by more than 80%[1]. In 2002, many experts in the field predicted that within 15 years all of the snow on top of Africa's tallest peak would be gone. In March 2005, it was reported that the peak was now almost bare, for the first time in 11,000 years [2]. This is not due to any temperature changes, but is instead due to a lack of snowfall. It is thought that deforestation over the past century has led to a decrease in moisture reaching the summit and turning into snowfall. Scientists have also shown a correlation between El Niño activity and precipitation in East Africa. Further evidence that factors other than global warming are responsible for the receding snow can be seen in the satellite temperature data [3]. The warming recorded on the mountain amounted to less than one degree between 1912 and 1953. This was before major human greenhouse gas emissions, and scientists believe the Sun was responsible for this warming. The ice has since continued to melt, though surveys since 1953 and more accurate satellite data since 1979 show cooling almost back to the 1912 temperatures. The fact that the ice continues to melt during periods of both warming and cooling strongly suggests lack of precipitation due to mild El Niños to be at fault [4].
See also
External links
- Ohio University study expedition to Kilimanjaro's glaciers
- NASA Earth Explorer page
- Climbing Kilimanjaro
- View from the top of Kilimanjaro
- 360 Panoramic View from the top, with Map
- Kilimanjaro Journal
