I’m not entirely sure about the exact age of Furtwängler Glacier, but I do know that it is one of the four notable glaciers of Mount Kilimanjaro. I had the incredible opportunity to see this glacier up close during a trek up the mountain a few years ago. It was a breathtaking sight, with its icy blue hues contrasting against the rocky terrain.
From what I’ve read and heard from our guide, the estimated age of the glaciers on Kilimanjaro, including Furtwängler Glacier, is around 11,700 years old. This age has been determined through various scientific studies and analysis of ice cores taken from the glaciers.
It’s quite remarkable to think about the longevity of these glaciers and how they have persisted for thousands of years. However, it’s also important to note that these glaciers have been rapidly shrinking in recent decades due to climate change. The once vast expanses of ice have significantly receded, leaving behind smaller patches of ice and snow.
During my trek, I witnessed firsthand the effects of this melting. Our guide pointed out the noticeable retreat of Furtwängler Glacier compared to older photographs and accounts. It was a stark reminder of the urgent need to address climate change and protect these natural wonders.
While I can’t provide an exact age for Furtwängler Glacier, it is part of the larger group of glaciers on Mount Kilimanjaro that are estimated to be around 11,700 years old. The diminishing size of these glaciers serves as a sobering reminder of the impact of climate change on our planet’s fragile ecosystems.