Maringma-tepui facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Maringma-tepui |
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 Maringma-tepui
Location in Guyana
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 2,147 m (7,044 ft) |
| Geography | |
| Location | Cuyuni-Mazaruni, Guyana |
Maringma-tepui, also known as Mount Maringma, is a unique flat-topped mountain called a tepui. It is part of the Pacaraima Mountains in Cuyuni-Mazaruni, Guyana. Locals call it Malaima-tepui in the Akawaio language.
This mountain is located very close to the border with Brazil. It is about 17 kilometers (11 miles) east of another famous tepui, Roraima-tepui. Sometimes, its name has been used for other nearby peaks, which can be a bit confusing!
Contents
Exploring Maringma-tepui
The village of Wayalayeng sits right at the bottom of Maringma-tepui. This village is where many expeditions to the mountain begin.
First Climb to the Top
The first time anyone reached the very top of Maringma-tepui was in May to July 2004. A team of plant experts from the Smithsonian Institution led by David Clarke made this historic climb.
More Expeditions
After the first successful trip, two more expeditions explored the mountain. Bruce Means visited in February 2006. Then, Philippe J. R. Kok and his team explored the area in late 2007. These trips helped scientists learn a lot about the mountain's plants and animals.
Life on the Summit
Maringma-tepui reaches a height of about 2,147 meters (7,044 feet). The flat top of the mountain is about 170 hectares (420 acres) in size. It is not a smooth, flat surface; instead, it is very uneven. This allows water to collect in many deep, swampy pools.
Plants of the Tepui
The top of Maringma-tepui is mostly covered in low-growing plants. This type of plant life is often called a "tepui meadow." There are also areas of quaking bog (a type of wet, spongy ground) and small, short forests. These forests are made up of dwarf Bonnetia roraimae trees. Only a few areas of bare rock can be seen.
Many different plant families thrive here. Some of the most common include Bonnetiaceae, Bromeliaceae (like bromeliads), Clusiaceae, Orchidaceae (orchids), Rapateaceae, Sarraceniaceae (pitcher plants), and Xyridaceae.
Weather on the Summit
Temperatures on the summit plateau can change a lot. Over just five days, scientists recorded temperatures as low as 13.5 °C (56.3 °F) and as high as 37.5 °C (99.5 °F)!
Animals of the Tepui
The mountain is home to many interesting animals, especially amphibians and reptiles. These are known as herpetofauna.
Lizards and Frogs
You can find several types of lizards here, including Arthrosaura hoogmoedi and Pantepuisaurus rodriguesi. Many frog species also live on Maringma-tepui. These include Adelophryne patamona, Anomaloglossus kaiei, Anomaloglossus megacephalus, and Anomaloglossus praderioi. There are also Oreophrynella macconnelli and Oreophrynella seegobini. Each of these animals is specially adapted to live in this unique mountain environment.
See also
In Spanish: Tepuy Maringma para niños
- Distribution of Heliamphora
