| Andringitra Massif | |
|---|---|
 A view of the massif. | |
| Highest point | |
| Peak | Pic Boby[1][2] |
| Elevation | 2,658 m (8,720 ft) |
| Geography | |
 | |
| Country | Madagascar |
| Region | Fianarantsoa Province |
| Range coordinates | 22°11.7′S 46°53.1′E / 22.1950°S 46.8850°E |
| Geology | |
| Rock age | Precambrian |
| Rock type(s) | Igneous, metamorphic |
The Andringitra Massif ("desert of rocks")[3] is a granite massif located within Andringitra National Park in Madagascar. The range is approximately 64 kilometres (40 mi) long.[3] In its central area, the range is almost 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) wide, though it is much narrower on either end.[3] Pic Boby, the highest peak, stands at 2658 meters (8,720 ft) high.[3]
The massif varies dramatically based on slope and altitude. The eastern slopes tend to be barren, with abrupt cliffs and channels scoured into the rock by erosion from tropical storms.[3] The western slopes tend to slope more gradually, and are partly forested.[3] The mountains' base is tropical, but the forest gives way to thick carpets of lichen.[3] At approximately 2,000 metres (6,600 ft), there is a belt of hardy shrubs.[3] Above this belt the mountains are a grassland.
Today, it is mainly occupied by herders and shepherds who move in a bid to find the freshest grazing grounds for their livestock.[4] Tourists and adventurers have also visited the area as it provides both hiking and backpacking opportunities, as well as views of its geological formations.[citation needed]
- ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2009-10-13. Retrieved 2009-11-27.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link) - ^ "Andringitra".
- ^ a b c d e f g h Scheffel, Richard L.; Wernet, Susan J., eds. (1980). Natural Wonders of the World. United States of America: Reader's Digest Association, Inc. p. 46. ISBN 0-89577-087-3.
- ^ "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2011-07-22. Retrieved 2009-11-28.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)