What is Kilimanjaro?
Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa and one of the world’s most awe-inspiring natural sights. Located in northern Tanzania and standing at 19,341 feet (5895 m) above sea level, Kilimanjaro is a huge, solitary, snow-covered volcano that rises from the dry, dusty African savannah far below. This attractive mountain has long been an attractive proposition for both tourists and mountain climbers alike.
The name Kilimanjaro is derived from the Swahili word “kilima”, which means “little mountain”. It could also have been derived from the Swahili term “Kilemakyaro”, which means “mountain of greatness”.
Is It a Volcano?
The most significant volcanic activity in Kilimanjaro’s history took place around 360,000 to 200,000 years ago, when the volcano produced several layers of ashes a few meters thick. Although dormant since then, Kilimanjaro is considered a still-active volcano and is classified as such by the International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth’s Interior (IAVCEI).
Despite this, however, the volcano is no longer considered a conventional volcano, as it has “gone to sleep” since its last eruption 200,000 years ago. It is now a type of volcano called a stratovolcano, which are relatively large volcanoes composed of many layers or “strata” of hardened lava, tephra, and volcanic ash. This makes them in many respects different from regular volcanoes, as they tend to form tall, symmetrical cones that don’t necessarily produce lava or explosive eruptions.
The Causes Behind The Inactivity
There are a number of reasons why Kilimanjaro has been inactive for so many millennia. According to some estimates, the rift valley that runs through Kilimanjaro is actually cooling and slipping, which is causing the magma chambers beneath the mountain to cool and become dormant. This process is thought to be responsible for the mountain’s current inactivity.
Another possible contributing factor is the shifting of the Earth’s tectonic plates. Kilimanjaro is located in an area where the African Plate is pushing against the Eurasian Plate, which could be another reason why the magma chambers are cooling off, making eruptions less likely.
However, despite these reasons, it’s still possible that Kilimanjaro could erupt in the future. Some geologists have argued that the mountain could still produce explosive eruptions or great lava flows, and that given the right circumstances, such an eruption could still occur.
Protecting Kilimanjaro
Kilimanjaro is a popular tourist destination and a source of pride for the people of Tanzania. Consequently, it’s essential that the mountain is protected from any potential damage. One important measure that’s being undertaken is the monitoring of any seismic activity in the region. A team of seismologists are continuously monitoring the mountain and measuring the movements of the Earth’s tectonic plates to better understand why the mountain has remained dormant for so long.
Furthermore, in order to protect the upper slopes of the mountain, the government of Tanzania has placed a ban on any activity above 9,843 feet (3,000 meters). The government has also imposed a 10-year ban on mining activities in the area in an effort to protect it from further damage.
Climate Change
Climate change is also having an impact on Kilimanjaro’s dormant volcano status. As temperatures in this part of the world are rising, the glaciers and snowcaps that often cover the peak of the mountain are shrinking. This could potentially trigger a new episode of volcanic activity in Kilimanjaro, as the sudden loss of such a large volume of ice could trigger seismic activity that could lead to an eruption.
Furthermore, the melting of the glaciers is also hastening the pace of erosion in the mountain, which could further destabilize its structure and increase the chances of an eruption. For this reason, it’s essential that the rate of glacier melting is monitored and steps are taken to protect the mountain from further damage.
The Potential Effects of an Eruption
Although a future eruption of Kilimanjaro is unlikely, should it happen, it could have serious consequences for the people of Tanzania and the wider East African region. An eruption could spew ash and poisonous gases into the atmosphere, which could have a devastating effect on livestock and crop yields in the region.
Furthermore, an eruption would greatly disrupt the area’s tourism industry, as the mountain’s iconic snow-covered peak would be at risk of destruction. The destruction of the mountain’s pristine beauty could also have a significant psychological impact on the people of Tanzania, who have long been proud of the mountain and its majestic beauty.
What Can Be Done?
Given the potential destruction that a future eruption of Kilimanjaro could wreak on the region, it is essential that steps are taken to minimize these risks. The government of Tanzania must take an active role in monitoring the mountain and taking action to protect it from earthquake activity, climate change and destruction caused by human activity. Furthermore, it is essential that local communities are kept informed about the risks posed by the mountain and that their knowledge and experience of the mountain is respected.
It is also up to the international community to provide support and resources to the people of Tanzania to ensure that Kilimanjaro is protected for generations to come. By doing so, we can ensure that Kilimanjaro remains a beautiful and unique symbol of Tanzania for many years to come.
The Damage From Human Activity
Kilimanjaro is also under threat from recreational activities, particularly the illegal harvesting of wood, which is leading to the destruction of the mountain’s forests. Overgrazing of the slopes is also removing the natural soil cover and reducing the mountain’s capacity to retain water. If left unchecked, this could have serious implications for the mountain’s fragile ecosystems.
The increase in emissions of greenhouse gases is also having an impact on Kilimanjaro’s snow-capped peak. Over the last century, the mountain’s glaciers have shrunk by over 85 percent, and if current trends continue, they will be completely gone in the next 30 years.
Conclusion
Despite its dormant status, Kilimanjaro remains a symbol of Tanzania and a source of pride for the people of the country. It is essential, therefore, that measures are taken to protect and preserve the mountain, as an eruption could have a devastating effect on the region. Furthermore, it is up to the international community to provide the necessary help and resources to ensure that Kilimanjaro remains a beautiful, natural sight for generations to come.
