Araopán-tepui facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Araopán-tepui |
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 Araopán-tepui
Location in Venezuela
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 2,450 m (8,040 ft) |
| Geography | |
| Location | Bolívar, Venezuela |
Araopán-tepui is a special kind of mountain called a tepui. It is located in the Bolívar state of Venezuela. This unique mountain stands about 2,450 meters (8,038 feet) tall.
Araopán-tepui is connected to a larger tepui called Aprada-tepui. These two mountains together form part of the Aprada Massif. A steep, curved ridge links Araopán-tepui and Aprada-tepui.
Contents
What is a Tepui?
A tepui is a very old, flat-topped mountain or mesa. These mountains are found mostly in the Guiana Highlands of South America. The word "tepui" means "house of the gods" in the native Pemon language.
How Tepuis Formed
Tepuis are made of very old sandstone. They formed over millions of years as the land around them eroded away. This left behind tall, isolated blocks of rock with flat tops and very steep, cliff-like sides. Imagine a giant cake that has been cut, and only the middle pieces are left standing!
Unique Ecosystems
Because tepuis are so isolated, they have their own unique environments. Many plants and animals found on top of a tepui cannot be found anywhere else in the world. It's like a natural island in the sky! The steep cliffs make it very hard for creatures to climb up or down. This helps new species evolve over time.
Plants and Animals on Tepuis
The tops of tepuis often have strange and beautiful plants. These include carnivorous plants, which eat insects. The weather on tepuis can be very wet and foggy. This creates a perfect home for these special plants. Scientists are still discovering new species on these ancient mountains.
Araopán-tepui's Features
Araopán-tepui has a flat top area of about 1.25 square kilometers (0.48 square miles). When you include its slopes and the nearby Aprada-tepui, the total area is much larger. The slopes cover an estimated 210 square kilometers (81 square miles).
Part of the Aprada Massif
The Aprada Massif is a group of tepuis. Araopán-tepui and Aprada-tepui are the main parts of this massif. Their connection by a ridge is a special feature. This ridge shows how these two giant rock formations are linked together.
See also
In Spanish: Araopán para niños
- Distribution of Heliamphora
