This majestic work of nature is found in north of South America and its extension exceeds 30 km2converging three countries: Venezuela, Brazil and Guyana. It is in full Canaima National Parka natural space of 30,000 sq. km. Let’s talk about Mount Roraimacharacterized by having a according to plan and be rsurrounded by large vertical cliffs with waterfalls of 400 to more than 1000 meters.
One of the peculiarities of Mount Roraima, in addition to rising up to almost 3000 meters above sea level, extending into three countries and the longevity of its materials, is undoubtedly its unnatural morphology. Also, It is the largest rock formation in all of South America, being one of the best known tepuyes.
What is its unique morphology due to?
Mount Roraima and the only mountain on the planet which, with an area of 30 km, it does not have a beak as such at its summit. Their the top is completely horizontal and is surrounded by huge cliffs (which appear to have been cut with knives), waterfalls and other geographical features rare in the world.
Its peculiar topographymainly from its top, eit is caused by a process called leaching. The heavy rains that occur during the rainy season have meant that, over the past 180 million years, water that falls in the form of rain erodes the edges creating huge cliffs of perfect precision.
These meteors also prevent the fixation of nutrients and particles at their apex, which is why there is no vegetation on top.
What year are your materials dated?
Although for centuries scientists from all over the world have tried to decipher the geological origin of this mountain, There is still no exact certainty of its origin.
Some suggest it was the product of a great earthquake in the past, but other mountains that were similarly created do not have that shape. In fact, for this reason they began to assume that it could be the oldest formation on Earth.
And, indeed, it was. Thanks to the study of his materials, mainly sandstone compoundsRoraima has been dated to the Proterozoic age (1.7-2 million years ago), making it the oldest mountain on Earth.
Unique fauna and flora
In addition to having a unique rock formation, Mount Roraima is home to a large number of endemic animal and plant species. Also for the particularity of the terrain and the difficulty of access, scientists consider it there are species that science has not yet discovered.
The field research in virgin areas it is enough complicated. In most cases you have to get climbing by helicopterupon request for special authorization to the authorities.
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