Arrow Glacier, Glacial formation on Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania.
Arrow Glacier is an ice formation on the western slope of Mount Kilimanjaro, located between 5,300 and 5,470 meters (17,400 and 17,950 feet) in elevation. The ice stretches across roughly 250 meters (820 feet) and appears as a bright white band against the dark volcanic rock.
The glacier formed during a major ice age that began over 11,000 years ago, shaping Kilimanjaro's current appearance. Since then, it has been shrinking steadily, recording the mountain's climate history in its ice.
Local communities view the glacier as a sign of how the climate is changing, which affects their farming and water sources. People have watched this ice for generations to understand seasonal patterns and weather shifts.
Climbers on the Western Breach Route pass near the glacier at a camp located 4,860 meters (15,944 feet) up the mountain. This challenging ascent requires special permits and technical climbing experience to complete safely.
The base of the glacier holds a pile of rocky debris that has accumulated over centuries as ice moved downward and carried stone with it. This rocky mound marks where the ice currently ends and tells the story of its slow movement over time.
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