Introduction
Mount Kilimanjaro, located in Tanzania, is the highest mountain in Africa. Known worldwide, the peak of this majestic mountain, Uhuru Peak stands at 5,895m (19,340ft) and has been an iconic destination for all kinds of adventurers, trekkers and mountain-climbers. For many wonderstruck writers and poets, it is one of the most ambitious mountaineering destinations around the world. Its magnificence and beauty compels profound reverence.
But, apart from its extraordinary elevation, how much does Mount Kilimanjaro weigh? In this article, we’ll try to understand the sheer weight of its rocky matter, the reason behind its age-old solidity and what treatments this mountain has been under historically. By delving into these phenomena, we will come to understand why this mountain matters so much to the people.
Weight of Mount Kilimanjaro
Because of its enormous size, exact weight of Mount Kilimanjaro is quite difficult to determine. It is estimated that the mountain weighs in at a massive 2 trillion tons. Even more impressive is the case that Mount Kilimanjaro manages to hold itself up despite the continental tectonic plates that are shifting underneath it. Most of the mountain is formed of sediment rock which gives it a strong base, strong enough to stay vertical.
However, the weight of Mount Kilimanjaro is not merely calculated by its physical size, it’s also based on its extensive history over the past hundreds of thousands of years. During this time the mountain may have endured the eruption of many volcanoes, earthquakes or similar occurrences due to the geographical location.
This large weight of the mountain suggests that it is under immense pressure and that it is subject to structural weakness, erosions and large-scale destruction.
Mount Kilimanjaro in History
Mount Kilimanjaro has been there for over 200,000 years and its age can be traced back to when the African continent emerged due to continental drift. Its uniqueness and durability make it a popular tourist destination and it has been a symbolic icon to many cultures throughout the world.
The tribes of the region have worshiped it as the home of God, whilst curiosity seekers from around the world have rugged up to tackle this impressive peak. The amount of energy it takes to hike its highest peak, Uhuru Peak, hints at the weight of this mountain, even though the exact weight cannot be accurately determined.
Mount Kilimanjaro has been the subject of numerous studies and is the source of substantial amounts of research and data regarding climate change and its effects on natural landscapes. By understanding the mass of this mountain and its age, scientists can extrapolate data for other regions of the world.
Significance to People
Mount Kilimanjaro is an important symbol of African culture and is an inspiration to all mountaineers. Its enormity and impressive height gives it an iconic reputation, yet it is its weight that adds to its grandeur. Its huge size amplifies its gravity, making it an impressive sight even to those who won’t take on the challenge of scaling it.
The majestic landscape of Mount Kilimanjaro, despite its age and huge mass, is breathtaking. Seeing it in person only further cements its significance, reminding all and sundry of the great importance of preserving and protecting our own natural environments.
How Much Does It Move?
Although Mount Kilimanjaro weighs 2 trillion tons, it is not immovable. The continents we live on were not here forever, and the movement of the tectonic plates means that, over time, the land masses move and shift.
Mount Kilimanjaro is currently located in Tanzania, but this is not always where it has been, and it very likely won’t remain in its current location for much longer in the future if the tectonic plates keep moving. This movement alters the weight of the mountain regularly.
Additionally, due to the movement of tectonic plates, the rock composition of our planet changes constantly, altering the actual weight of Mount Kilimanjaro. It is believed that the mountain is under constant erosion and its upstream rivers may have calibrated Mount Kilimanjaro’s weight over time.
How the Weight Affects Mount Kilimanjaro
The huge weight of Mount Kilimanjaro affects it in a few ways. For one, the heavier the mountain, the more ground reaction provided and the more stable the mountain stands. However, due to the enormous weight of this mountain, the pressure and strain it is placed on the surrounding rock layers is immense. This can lead to rock creep and slope failures due to the amount of pressure already exerted on the mountain.
This ground reaction also means that Mount Kilimanjaro is incredibly resilient to small-scale and short-term changes, which can prove difficult when it comes to preserving its natural environment. Even events such as forest fires, which may not have a massive effect on native ecosystems, can cause drastic changes in the entire habitats of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Effects of Climate Change
Climate change is a major issue facing our world today, and the effects of it can be particularly damaging to some of our most iconic landscapes – including Mount Kilimanjaro. It is expected that the mountain will lose a sizable portion of its snow and ice between the years 2020 and 2030 due to the effects of increased temperatures.
It is unknown how much ice the mountain has lost in the past due to the effects of climate change, but it is estimated that, since 1912, its snow cover has decreased by 80%. This means that, due to the immense weight of this mountain, the effects of climate change can be significantly amplified, since even a thin layer of ice and snow easily adds to the great weight of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Conclusion
Mount Kilimanjaro is an iconic mountain that stands as a symbol of power and resilience. Its huge size and immense weight have enabled it to withstand time and climate change, as well as to be a great source of inspiration. The weight of the mountain plays a vital role in its stability and helps protect its natural environment.
