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For those who live on or near mountains, a change of climate
can be just a short walk away. That's because mountains create
their own microclimates—areas in which the climate
differs from the prevailing climate. Take Kilimanjaro. This
19,340-foot volcano in Tanzania has microclimates that range
from scorching at the base to frigid at the summit. (For a
look at the mountain's six ecological zones, see
Tour Kilimanjaro.) The flow of air masses over Kilimanjaro and other
mountains also influences microclimates, often causing wet (or
snowy) weather on one side and a dry, clear climate on the
other.
To see how the movement of air creates different microclimates
on a mountain, click on the image at left. —
Rick Groleau
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