Mount Kilimanjaro is a snow-capped peak rising above the savanna 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.
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.
Lava Tower
The Lava Tower is a rock tower formed thousand of years ago by
molten lava which formed the tower and then solidified and hardened
as it cooled. This can be accessed from the Machame Route and is at
an altitude of 4630m.
This was the "Geocache of the Week" for 7/18/10
Assignment
1. Standing facing the lava tower from the trail, determine the
direction that the lava was flowing. Send me an e-mail with your
thoughts as to how the Lava Tower was formed, why it is such a
distinct geologic feature, and in which direction the lava
flowed.
2. Take a photo of the members in your party with the Lava Tower in
the background. (optional)