In the world of the first people

Joint research project RiftLink featured as cover-story of the latest GEO-Magazin.
01/03/2010

On the border between the Republic of Congo and Uganda, the Rwenzori Mountains form the third highest mountain-range in Africa, with up to 5.109m height. It is part of the Great Rift Valley, a rift zone created by the split of the African and Asian continental plates. For years, scientists have a special interest in the Ruwenzoris - not only because of the unique geological conditions, but also because it is presumed that their creation is closely linked to the development of the human race.

The joint research project RiftLink is an international association of researchers from thirteen universities and institutes. They identify the processes that started the creation of the Rwenzoris 23 million years ago, the resulting climatic effects in equatorial Africa and the potential impact on the development-history of mankind.
GEO magazine reporters accompanied the scientists on their excursions, making a fascinating documentary about the complex processesof the past in this region. The article is complemented by the pictures of the renowned photographer Christian Ziegler, who captured the beauty of the world cultural heritage Ruwenzori Mountains in impressive images.
An exclusive excerpt of the article (German) you can find here...»