Africa: the geographical coordinates of the volcano Kilimanjaro

The volcano Kilimanjaro, whose geographical coordinates were approximately known in the 1st century AD to 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 summit, the altitude is 4900 meters. This difference in measurements is due to the fact that the mountain is located on the plateau of Masai, which is located at an altitude of 900 meters above sea level.

The first meeting with the 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 it often happened at that time, the first European who climbed deep into the continent was the preacher and pastor Johannes Rebman.

Of course, such a significant discovery could not remain unnoticed by various adventurers and pioneers. The summit attracted the attention of various people and provoked a boom of interest in mountaineering. The first ascent of the mountain was committed thirteen years after its discovery. In 1861, Samuel Tekel stopped at a mark of 2500 meters. Subsequently, Count Tekel made four more ascents, but never rose above the mark of 5200 meters.

Kilimanjaro volcano: geographical coordinates

The absolute height of the volcano is 5895 meters above the surface of the world's ocean. It should be remembered that when speaking of the volcano Kilimanjaro, it means having three peaks, each of which is also a volcano, has its name and is 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 in its foot an even plateau with an area of more than six hectares. Scientists say that in previous times, its height was much higher, but as a result of a strong eruption, the peak simply collapsed.

Determine the geographical coordinates of the volcano Kilimanjaro is not difficult, 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 Mavenzi 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, because on the one hand it abruptly breaks off, forming a whole system of rocks, gorges and steep walls.

The highest peak is the peak of Kibo, which is separated from the peak of Mawenzi by a large alpine plateau. It is called the Saddle and attracts no fewer tourists than the mountain peaks of Kilimanjaro. The height of Kibo is 5895 meters, but this is not the most interesting thing that the volcano has to offer travelers. Its crater has the form of a caldera, that is, a vast plain surrounded by gentle slopes that appeared as a result of the collapse of volcanic walls.

Surrounding nature

The geographical coordinates of the volcano Kilimanjaro indicate that the mountain is in a favorable climatic zone, therefore, on its slopes and at its foot can be found a very diverse animal and plant world. The volcano is in the East African country of Tanzania on the border with Kenya.

In the foothills of Kilimanjaro grow beans, maize, sunflower and wheat. On the slopes are growing ancient forests, covering an area of several thousand square kilometers.

Of course, with a change in altitude, the flora also changes. For example, on dry western slopes you can find olive groves and juniper, and on the heights - grasses and lichens.

Hydrology and geology

Naturally, such a large mountain massif should have its own characteristics in the formation of hydrological indicators. The main factor in the formation of river sewage from Kilimanjaro is its glaciers.

Geological evidence suggests that for all of its existence, the mountain has gone through three stages of icing, in each of which it was losing or acquiring an ice cap.

Despite the fact that the coordinates of Kilimanjaro volcano suggest the absence of snow, its height above sea level allows ice to remain on the peaks for a considerable time, therefore even in summer periods a part of the peaks is covered with snow.

It is in these glaciers that many rivers and streams originate that allow peasants living at the foot of the mountain to irrigate their fields.