Located on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, the Furtwangler Glacier is one of the few remaining glaciers in Africa. The glacier is named after the German geologist and explorer Walter Furtwangler, who conducted the first scientific study on the mountain in 1912. Since then, the glacier has becoe a subject of scientific interest due to its rapid melting and the impact it has on the surrounding ecosystem.
The Furtwangler Glacier is a remnant of the ice cap that once covered the peak of Kilimanjaro. It is currently estimated to be around 200 meters long and 30 meters wide, and it is situated at an altitude of 5,300 meters above sea level. Despite its small size, the glacier plays an important role in the local ecology, providing a source of water for the plants and animals that inhabit the mountain.
However, the glacier is rapidly shrinking due to the effects of climate change. Studies have shown that the glacier has lost more than 80 percent of its volume since the early 20th century, and it is predicted to disappear completely within the next few decades. This has significant implications for the local environment, as the melting of the glacier will reduce the availability of water for the plants and animals that depend on it.
The melting of the Furtwangler Glacier is also a major concern for the people who live in the surrounding areas. The mountain is a source of water for millions of people in Tanzania and Kenya, and the loss of the glacier could have serious consequences for their livelihoods. In addition, the melting of the glacier could lead to an increase in the frequency and severity of flooding and landslides in the region.
Efforts are underway to mitigate the impact of climate change on the Furtwangler Glacier and other glaciers on Mount Kilimanjaro. These include measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve water management, and promote sustainable tourism. However, much more needs to be done to protect the mountain and the people who depend on it.
The Furtwangler Glacier is a small but important part of the ecosystem of Mount Kilimanjaro. Its rapid melting due to climate change is a cause for concern, and urgent action is needed to protect it and the people who rely on it.
The Fate of Kilimanjaro’s Glacier
The Kilimanjaro glacier is not completely gone yet, but it is rapidly shrinking. Various studies have shown that the glacier has reduced by about 80 percent since the early 20th century, and the trend continues. Climate change is considered to be the primary reason for the melting of the glacier, and as temperatures continue to rise, the remaining ice is expected to disappear entirely in the coming decades. Despite this, the Kilimanjaro glacier is still a significant landmark and attraction for climbers and tourists, and efforts are being made to preserve and protect it.
Source: tranquilkilimanjaro.com
Formation of Furtwangler Glacier
Furtwangler Glacier was formed through a process called glaciation, which is the long-term accumulation of snow and ice in a particlar area. The glacier is located on the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, one of the highest mountains in Africa. As snow fell on the mountain, it gradually accumulated and compressed into ice, forming a large ice cap that covered the summit. Over time, this ice cap began to flow downhill, forming glaciers like Furtwangler Glacier, which is one of the few remaining glaciers on the mountain today. The formation of glaciers like Furtwangler Glacier is a slow and gradual process that takes thousands of years, and the glaciers themselves can last for many more thousands of years if they are able to maintain a balance between accumulation and melting. However, with global warming and other environmental factors, many glaciers around the world are rapidly melting and may soon disappear, making it all the more important to study and understand these unique natural formations.
Remaining Glacier on Mount Kilimanjaro
Based on the research and observations conducted by experts, it has been found that most of the ice fields on Kilimanjaro have disappeared. After analyzing published literature and monitoring available imagery for over 20 years, it has been concluded that only the northern ice field of the mountain remains. This ice field is estimated to be about half a square kilometer in size, indicating a significant loss of glacier on Kilimanjaro. Therefore, it can be stated that the current situation of Kilimanjaro’s glaciers is quite alarming and requires immediate attention for the preservation of this iconic mountain.
The Presence of a Glacier on Mount Kilimanjaro
There is a glacier on Mount Kilimanjaro because the mountain is located near the equator, which means that the peak receives a significant amount of direct sunlight and heat. However, the glacier has survived due to the prolonged periods of cold weather that have occurred over the centuries, durig which the glaciers have regrouped and reappeared on the mountain. Research suggests that the current glaciers on Mount Kilimanjaro began to form around 9700BC. Despite the fact that the glaciers are slowly melting due to global warming, they still persist due to the unique weather patterns and geography of the mountain.
Consequences of the Doomsday Glacier Collapsing
The Thwaites Glacier, also kown as the “doomsday glacier,” is one of the largest and most rapidly melting glaciers in Antarctica. If it were to collapse fully, it would cause a significant rise in sea levels. According to estimates released by the International Thwaites Glacier Collaboration in 2020, a complete dissolution of the glacier would result in a four per cent increase in sea-level rise caused by climate change. Additionally, if the glacier were to suddenly collapse, it could lead to an additional 25 inches of sea-level rise. This would have devastating consequences, including flooding of low-lying areas and displacement of millions of people. Therefore, it is crucial to closely monitor the Thwaites Glacier and take necessary measures to slow down its melting to mitigate the potential catastrophic effects of its collapse.
Source: unep.org
The Disappearance of Certain Things by 2050
According to various scientific reports and studies, there are several places on Earth that may potentially disappear from the world map by 2050. One of these places is Majuli Island, located in India, which is at risk due to soil erosion and rising water levels, and experts predict that it may disappear by as early as 2030. The Great Barrier Reef in Australia is also at risk due to climate change and coral bleaching, which could lead to its disappearance within the next few decades.
Glacier National Park in Montana is anther location that may disappear by 2050 due to the rapid melting of glaciers caused by global warming. The Maldives, a chain of islands in the Indian Ocean, are at risk of being submerged by rising sea levels, leading to their eventual disappearance. The Great Wall of China is also facing the threat of erosion and damage caused by natural disasters, which could lead to its eventual destruction.
Snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania is also at risk of losing its iconic snowcaps due to global warming, which could lead to significant changes in the region’s ecosystem. Venice in Italy is another location that may disappear by 2050 due to rising sea levels and flooding, which could eventually make the city uninhabitable.
Lastly, Bangladesh in Asia is also at risk of disappearing due to rising sea levels and the threat of natural disasters such as cyclones and floods. These are just a few examples of the places that may potentially disappear from the world map by 2050, highlighting the urgent need for action to address climate change and preserve these precious natural and cultural landmarks for future generations.
The Age of the Oldest Ice in a Glacier
The oldest ice in glaciers can be found in diferent parts of the world. In Antarctica, the age of the oldest glacier ice may approach 1,000,000 years old, making it the location of the oldest glacier ice on Earth. Meanwhile, in Greenland, the age of the oldest glacier ice is more than 100,000 years old. Lastly, the oldest Alaskan glacier ice ever recovered was found in a basin between Mt. Bona and Mt. Churchill, with an age of about 30,000 years old. These glaciers are a testament to the Earth’s climate history and the importance of preserving them for future generations to study and learn from.
The Impact of the Doomsday Glacier on Our Planet
The Thwaites Glacier in West Antarctica is nicknamed the “Doomsday Glacier” beause of its potential to cause catastrophic sea level rise if it collapses. This is due to the sheer size of the glacier, which is roughly the size of Florida, as well as its location and the way it is connected to other glaciers in the region. If the Thwaites Glacier were to collapse, it would likely trigger the collapse of other nearby glaciers, causing sea levels to rise by several feet. This would have devastating consequences for coastal cities and communities around the world. Additionally, the Thwaites Glacier is melting at an alarming rate, making its potential collapse even more concerning.
Age of Furtwangler Glacier
The estimated age of Furtwängler Glacier, which is one of the four notable glaciers on Mount Kilimanjaro, is around 11,700 years old. This age is based on scientific studies of the glacier’s ice core samples. It is important to note that the glaciers on Kilimanjaro have been receding rapidly in recent years due to climate change, and their future is uncertain.
The Location of the Doomsday Glacier
The Doomsday Glacier, also known as the Thwaites Glacier, can be found in Antarctica. It is located in the western part of the continent, spanning across an area of approximately 192,000 square kilometers. This glacier has been a focus of concern among scientists due to its potential to rapidly contribute to sea level rise if it were to collapse. Recent studies have revealed that the Thwaites Glacier is melting in unexpected ways, further increasing the urgency to closely monitor and study the glacier.
The Largest Existing Glacier in the World
The largest existing glacier in the world is the Lambert Glacier, which is located in Antarctica. This massive glacier is not only the largest in size, but it is also one of the fastest moving ice streams in the world. With a width that stretches over 60 miles and a length of over 270 miles, the Lambert Glacier is an impressive natural wonder. This glacier is so large that it drains about 8% of the Antarctic ice sheet, making it a crucial component of the continent’s ecosystem. Additionally, the ice from the glacier flows into the Amery Ice Shelf, which is a vital area for scientific research. While the Lambert Glacier is a breathtaking sight, it also raises concerns about the impact of climate change on the world’s ice formations.
The Slowest Moving Glacier in the World
The slowest moving glacier in the world is the Bering Glacier located in Alaska, United States. This glacier moves at a speed of approximately 35 meters per year or 115 feet per year, which is significantly slower than other glaciers like the Jakobshavn Glacier in Greenland, which can move up to 46 meters per day. Despite its slow movement, the Bering Glacier is still an impressive natural wonder, spanning over 1900 square miles and containing an estimated volume of 18 cubic miles of ice. Its unique features, including ice caves and blue pools, make it a popular destination for tourists and scientists alike.
The Effects of Altitude on Temperature at the Top of Kilimanjaro
Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest peak in Africa, towering at an elevation of 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) above sea level. There are several factors that contribute to the cold temperatures experienced at the top of Kilimanjaro.
Firstly, as altitude increases, the air pressure decreases, which results in a decrease in temperature. This is known as the lapse rate, and it is estimated to be aound 6.5 degrees Celsius (11.7 degrees Fahrenheit) per 1,000 meters (3,280 feet) of altitude gained. Therefore, at the summit of Kilimanjaro, where the air pressure is much lower than at sea level, the temperature can drop to as low as -20 degrees Celsius (-4 degrees Fahrenheit).
Secondly, the top of Kilimanjaro is typically covered in snow and ice, which reflects sunlight and contributes to the cold temperature. The snow and ice on Kilimanjaro are remnants from the last ice age, and the glaciers are melting at a rapid rate due to climate change.
The wind chill factor is a significant contributor to the cold temperatures experienced at the top of Kilimanjaro. The wind can make a relatively cold night feel much colder, and it is estimated that the wind chill factor can make a night that is around -2 degrees Celsius (28 degrees Fahrenheit) feel like -15 degrees Celsius (5 degrees Fahrenheit).
The combination of high altitude, snow and ice, and wind chill factor all contribute to the cold temperatures experienced at the top of Mount Kilimanjaro. It is essential for climbers to be well-prepared and properly equipped to handle the extreme weather conditions.
The Difficulty of Climbing Kilimanjaro Compared to Everest
Kilimanjaro, located in Tanzania, is considered harder than Everest base camp because of its altitude. The peak of Kilimanjaro, also known as Uhuru Peak, sits at an elevation of 5,895 m (19,341 ft) above sea level, wich is approximately half a vertical kilometer higher than Everest base camp, which sits at 5,364 m (17,598 ft). This means that climbers must ascend a greater vertical distance to reach the summit of Kilimanjaro.
Another factor that makes Kilimanjaro harder than Everest base camp is that it is a non-technical climb, meaning that climbers do not need any special equipment or technical climbing skills to reach the summit. However, the altitude and unpredictable weather conditions can make the climb more challenging. Climbers must also deal with the effects of altitude sickness, which can cause dizziness, headaches, and other symptoms.
In contrast, climbing Everest requires technical climbing skills and specialized equipment due to the steep and icy terrain. However, the higher altitude of Kilimanjaro can make it a more physically demanding climb than Everest base camp. both Kilimanjaro and Everest base camp present unique challenges for climbers, but the greater altitude of Kilimanjaro makes it a more difficult climb.
Discoveries in the Ice on Mount Kilimanjaro
In a recent study, researchers analyzed six cores retrieved from the melting glaciers atop Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro, and found that the tropical glaciers began forming approximately 11,700 years ago. Furthermore, the cores provided remarkable evidence of three major droughts that occurred in the tropics 8,300, 5,200, and 4,000 years ago. These findings shed light on the history of the region and provide valuable insights into the effects of climate change and drought on tropical ecosystems.
Conclusion
The Furtwangler Glacier, located on the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, is one of the few remaining glaciers on the mountain. However, studies have shown that it has shrunk by 80 percent since the early 20th century, and its current size is only a small portion of what used to be an ice cap that once covered the peak of Kilimanjaro. Most of Kilimanjaro’s ice fields have disappeared, and by and large, only the mountain’s northern ice field remains, whih is now about half a square kilometer in size. The fact that there are still glaciers on Kilimanjaro is due to the prolonged ‘cold snaps’ or ice ages that have occurred down the centuries. While the Furtwangler Glacier may still exist today, its future is uncertain as climate change continues to threaten global ice reserves. It is essential that we take action to reduce our carbon footprint and preserve the remaining glaciers for future generations.
