Kilimanjaro is an iconic mountain located in the African nation of Tanzania, standing at 5,895 meters (19,341 ft) tall. It is extraordinary for its snow-capped summit, despite being located in a tropical climate. This article will explore the glacial history of Kilimanjaro, as well as the current state of its snow-capped peak.
Glacial History of Kilimanjaro
Kilimanjaro has been capped with snow and ice for thousands of years, with evidence showing that its glaciers were first formed during a cooler period in the pre-industrial world. By 1912, glaciologists estimated the total ice cover of Kilimanjaro to be around 11.4 square kilometers, but this number has since been steadily declining. It is believed that due to global warming and climate change, Kilimanjaro’s ice cover has decreased drastically, with some estimates claiming it has been reduced to less than 0.7 square kilometers since 1912.
In addition to these environmental changes, human activity has also had an effect on Kilimanjaro’s glacial history. The introduction of large-scale deforestation of the mountain’s slopes has resulted in the loss of much of its ice cover, as well as an increase in the amount of air pollution that is absorbed by the snow. This has caused further melting of the glaciers and an overall decrease in Kilimanjaro’s snow cover.
The Last Snow of Kilimanjaro
The current state of Kilimanjaro’s snow-capped peak is not favorable. Scientists predict that the snow-capped peak of Kilimanjaro could be gone entirely within the next two decades due to the effects of global warming and human activity. It is estimated that the remaining ice caps are melting at a rate of 1 meter per year and that their total area is now less than a square kilometer. As a result, the chances of the snow surviving in its current form until the end of the century are slim.
This is a huge problem for not only Kilimanjaro’s environment and wildlife, but for the tourism industry as well. Since Kilimanjaro is a popular destination for hikers and mountaineers, its snow-capped peak is a major draw for visitors. Without the snow, Kilimanjaro’s appeal will decline and its tourism industry, which is the source of much of its economy, could suffer greatly.
Kilimanjaro’s snow-capped peak is currently facing an uncertain future due to the effects of global warming and human activity. The remaining glacier caps are melting rapidly, and experts predict that they could be gone by the end of the century. While this would undoubtedly be a huge blow to Kilimanjaro’s environment and wildlife, it would also have a massive impact on the mountain’s tourism industry. It is up to us to do our best to preserve our environment and protect the snow of Kilimanjaro before it disappears.
