Madagascar is one of the largest islands in the world. Some scientists believe that in remote antiquity these lands were a mainland part. The middle part of the island, occupying more than a third of the entire territory, is mountainous. The mountains of Madagascar were formed due to constant movements in the earth's crust, and consist of crystalline and metamorphic rocks: shales, gneisses, granites. This is due to the presence in the local places of many minerals: mica, graphite, lead, nickel, chromium. Here you can find even gold and semiprecious stones: amethysts, tourmaline, emeralds, etc.
Mountains and volcanoes of Madagascar
Tectonic movements have broken all the High Plateau into several mountain ranges. Today the mountains of Madagascar are of considerable interest for fans of mountaineering:
- In the Central Highlands are the mountains of Ankaratra , the highest point of which is located at an altitude of 2643 m.
- The granite massif Andringretra is located in one of the national parks of Madagascar . The highest point - the peak of Bobby - rushed to an altitude of 3658 m. The mountains are in a relatively stable area and consist of many rocks and ascents, there are also volcanic formations. Here is the famous Mount Big Hat, the original form of which really reminds this headdress.
- Another interesting place for tourists in Madagascar is the French mountains . They are located in the eastern part of the island, near the city of Antsiranana (Diego-Suarez). These hills consist of rocks, sandstone and canyons. Stretching over 2400 km, the mountain range is covered with dense forests with diverse vegetation, in which the most diverse animals live. This is favored by the humid tropical climate of the area. For example, only in these mountains in Madagascar can be found more than ten different species of baobabs.
Many tourists who plan to visit the island are interested in the question of whether there are active volcanoes in Madagascar. Local residents say that now all the highest points on the island are mountain formations, which in the distant past were volcanoes.
The highest among such "sleeping giants" is the volcano Marumukutra on the island of Madagascar. Its name translates as "a grove of fruit trees." The height of the highest mountain of Madagascar, located in the mountain range of Tsaratanan - more than 2800 m. Once it was an active volcano, but now it is extinct and does not pose any danger for tourists who come here to admire nature.