For those who live on or near mountains, a change of climate can be just a short walk away. That's because mountains create their own microclimates—areas in which the climate differs from the prevailing climate. Take Kilimanjaro. This 19,340-foot volcano in Tanzania has microclimates that range from scorching at the base to frigid at the summit. The flow of air masses over Kilimanjaro and other mountains also influences microclimates, often causing wet (or snowy) weather on one side and a dry, clear climate on the other. For more about Kilimanjaro's climate, click here.

Ecologically, Africa 's tallest peak is a world in miniature. On what other mountain can you journey from dry fields and farms into steaming jungles, then up through exotic heaths and moorlands to an alpine desert and finally a glaciated summit. Each of Kilimanjaro's six distinct ecological zones has its own climate and coterie of flora and fauna.

Select a different mountain zone for a description. Click on the mountain!

Beginning with the band of rain forest that girdles the mountain's base starting at about 6,000 feet, this microcosmic Gaia gets gradually drier, cooler, and more inhospitable to plants, animals, and people as one ascends to the sparkling summit.

Source: NOVA Volcano above the clouds website http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/kilimanjaro/