Geology Reference
In-Depth Information
extent of gneiss-covered granite intrusion mountains.
[Gneiss
is a rock that has been buried to such depths that the tempera-
tures and pressures have altered (metamorphosed) its original
structure and mineralogy - hence it is a 'metamorphic' rock. If
the heating is su~ciently great the rocks may melt to form gran-
ites, consequently the two are often found in association with
each other.]
The height of the camp is 2,000 feet and the
mountains rise up with appalling swiftness to 4,000-5,000.
Proceeding westward from the coast, the country begins to be
diversified with isolated peaks or clusters of hills, which rise
abruptly from the surface to the plateau and exhibit the most
remarkable outlines, varying from gracefully rounded domes
of smooth and naked gneiss to irregular knobs and pinnacles.
In Mozambique the mountains are everywhere held in great
veneration by the natives, and in the west this reverence for
Nature's architecture amounts almost to mountain worship,
for the Lomwe people have a legend that the first man and
woman were born from the white peak of Namuli.
The valley
[at Sawa]
rises steeply but the river flows out
into the everlasting plateau of this part of Africa - and a few
miles across an imposing spectacle is afforded by another
mighty range of abrupt peaks. These mountains attain a suf-
ficient altitude above sea-level to ensure a fairly continuous
rainfall throughout the year, and their slopes are therefore
well watered and luxuriantly clothed with vegetation. Above
the almost impassable jungle formed by the intertwining of
vines and creepers rise groups of towering trees, whose inter-
locking branches provide a cool canopy in which innumerable
hordes of monkeys find a congenial home. Here and there the
traveller emerges into open glades of park land, which offer
a charming contrast to the monotony of the forests, and on
the banks of the watercourses an abundant flora delights the
eye, dappling the fresh greenery with glowing clusters of del-
icate flowers.
The country near the coast is characterised by palm and
