1. Dept. of Geology, Colby College Brian Levenson and Peg Schreiner
Mt. Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
Dept. of Geology, Colby College
Brian Levenson and Peg Schreiner
kilimanjaro_5101.jpg

2. Kilimanjaro is located in northeastern Tanzania, close to the border of Kenya

3. Kilimanjaro lies along the East African Rift Zone where three tectonic plates, the Arabian Plate, the Nubian Plate, and the Somalian Plate are pulling away from each other

4. Kilimanjaro is stratovolcano that is made up of 3 cones: Kibo, Shira and Mawenzi
Kibo is youngest and tallest cone. It is dormant and not considered at risk of an eruption
Shira and Mawenzi are classified as extinct. There is no volcanic activity at these cones

5. Volcanic Activity at Kilimanjaro
Shira
Start- about 1 million years ago
End- about 500,000 years ago
Mawenzi
Start- 500,000 years ago
End- unknown
Kibo
Start- 460,000 years ago
End- Currently “Dormant” (last major eruption 100,000 years ago)

6. At 5,895 meters, Kilimanjaro is the highest peak in Africa
Summit Caldera
Reusch Crater
Google Earth
-At the summit of Kibo is a large caldera which stretches 1.9km by 2.7 km. Within the caldera is a crater called Reusch Crater.
-The tallest part of the volcano is Uhuru Peak, a ridge along the caldera

7. Evidence shows that magma is just 400 meters below the summit crater
Kilimanjaro has not erupted in recorded history. Gas is still emitted from fumaroles in the summit crater. There are often landslides and avalanches as a result of volcanic activity.
Evidence shows that magma is just 400 meters below the summit crater

8. Kilimanjaro is comprised of many layers of lava,
volcanic ash, and tephra
Formed from explosive eruptions
Andesites and basalts are common
The three cones have varying rock compositions

9. Fumarolic Activity Geothermal Energy

10. First summit was completed in 1889 took 6 weeks
35,000 tourists now attempt the climb
each year
now takes on avg. 6-9 days
$50 million in revenue each year

11. Bibliography
Climb Kilimanjaro: Kilimanjaro Geology at (accessed 26 January, 2015)
GEOTHERM, Geothermal Energy as an Alternative Source of Energy for Tanzania. Geotherm Programme.
Mnjokava, Taramaeli, 2008: Geothermal Exploration in Tanzania--Status Report. United Nations University. p. 1-7.
Houston Museum of Natural Science: Kilimanjaro Educator’s Guide at (accessed
20 January, 2015)
National Geographic, Access 360 World Heritage: Kilimanjaro, at (accessed 25 January, 2015)
Oregon State University, Volcano World: Kilimanjaro, at (accessed 23 January, 2015)
Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program, 2013: Kilimanjaro, at (accessed 23 January, 2015)
The Titi Tudorancea Bulletin: Mount Kilimanjaro at (accessed 23 January, 2015)
Zimmermann, K. A., 2012: Livescience, Kilimanjaro: Facts About Africa’s Highest Peak at (accessed 25 January, 2015)