Is Mount Kilimanjaro active?
Mount Kilimanjaro, the magnificent ‘’Roof of Africa,’’ stands proudly in Tanzania, attracting thousands of the trekkers every year. When people look at its size and shape, a common question arises; is this giant mountain still a threat? The short answer is that Mount Kilimanjaro is a dormant volcano. This means it is not currently erupting but it has the potential to erupt again in the distant future.
It is not considered an extinct volcano, which would mean it is impossible for it to erupt again. Understanding its volcanic status is the key to appreciating its powerful history and the unique geological forces that shaped it. The Entre Mountain is made of the three separate volcanic zones; Kibo, Mawenzi and Shira and their individual states of activity help explain why the mountain is classified as dormant today.
Three cones: A family of fire.
To understand Kilimanjaro’s activity, you must look at its three distinct peaks, each representing a different stage of the mountain’s volcanic life. The oldest cone is Shira, located on the western side. Shira is considered extinct. It experienced several eruptions around 750,000 years ago and then collapsed, leaving behind a broad and then flat plateau. There is no possibility of Shira erupting again. The next cone is Mawenzi, which is the second highest peak and is located on the eastern side. Mawenzi is also considered extinct.
It is highly eroded and jagged indicating that its volcanic activity ended a very long time ago, perhaps around 440,000 years ago. Its steep slopes show how wind, rain and ice have worn it down for millennia. Finally there is Kibo, the central and then highest cone, home to Uhuru Peak, the ultimate climbing destination. Kibo is the youngest and the one responsible for the mountain’s ‘’dormant’’ status. Kibo is the only cone that retains a clear, relatively intact crater, a strong sign that is volcanic system is merely resting.
Dormant Heart of Kibo.
The key to Kilimanjaro’s active status lies entirely within Kibo Cone. Although there has been no recorded eruption in human history meaning no eruption since Europeans or local people began keeping detailed records geological evidence shows that Kibo’s last major activity occurred around 150,000 to 200,000 years ago. More recent activity, consisting of smaller ash eruptions and lava flows, may have happened just 1500 years ago. Because of this relatively recent history, scientists classify Kibo as dormant.
A dormant volcano is essentially a sleeping giant; it is not erupting but is expected to erupt again someday. The time frame for this is impossible to predict, and it could be centuries or even millennia away. The danger of a volcano is measured by how close its magma chamber is to the surface and Kibo shows of a still active, through slow-moving, magmatic system deep beneath the crater floor. This classification, ‘’dormant,’’ is what makes continuous monitoring essential, even though the risk is currently very low.
Evidence of a sleeping system.
Even without a full eruption, there are signs that Kibo’s core is still warm. Inside Kibo’s vast summit crater, trekkers and then scientists can observe fumaroles, which are vents that release steam and then sulfurous gases. These fumaroles are strong evidence that a magma chamber a large pool of a molten rock still exists beneath the peak, providing the heat that creates the steam. While the amount of steam and then gas is small and does not pose an immediate threat, it confirms that the mountain is geologically active.
Furthermore, the area surrounding the crater often shows higher temperature than the surrounding ice and rock would suggest. Scientists use instruments to measure heat flow and then seismic tremors would be a major indicator that the mountain is beginning to wake up. These small, ongoing sings of activity are what prevent scientists from labeling Kibo as completely extinct, keeping it in the ‘’dormant category.’’
The rick factor and safety for trekkers.
For the thousands of people who climb Kilimanjaro every year, the risk from the sudden volcanic eruption is considered extremely low. The mountain is constantly monitored by the volcanologists and then geophysicists. Modern technology, including sensitive seismometers is used to detect the slightest earth tremors or changes in the mountain’s shape that might signal an impending eruption.
Typically a large dormant volcano will give a significant and then prolonged warning sings such as increased seismic activity, ground swelling, and a dramatic increase in the gas emissions for the months or even the years before an actual eruption. If the mountain were to show such signs. The Tanzanian government and the National park authorities would have ample time to close the park and then evacuate the area. Therefore visitors can climb the mountain with confidence, knowing that the primary risks are related to altitude sickness and weather, not a catastrophic volcanic event. The official status of ‘’dormant’’ means that while the mountain’s incredible power is acknowledged its current state is one of peace and quiet.
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