TANZANIA - The Crater Highlands are depicted with colored height and shaded relief. Tectonics, volcanism, landslides, erosion, and rain and snow deposition all interact to create a dynamic watershed that has long served as the home of the legendary Maasai tribal people. The Crater Highlands rise far above the adjacent savannas, capture moisture from the air, and play host to many rain forests. Over time, the energy of flowing water erodes and dissects the slopes of the volcanoes. Water erosion is evident on the eastern flanks of Mount Loolmalasin (left of center with snow peak), that has an elevation of 3648 meters (11,968 feet). Lake Eyasi is shown in blue at the top of the image, and a smaller lake can be seen in the center of Ngorongoro Crater. Craters form if a volcano explodes or collapses. Later spreading can fracture volcanoes, which is very evident on Kitumbeine (left) and Gelai mountains (right) at lower center.  

This rift valley is one of the world’s natural wonders due to high altitude capture of water and isolated rain forests and valleys - which play host to a variety of rare wildlife, including the Black Rhinoceros and huge colonies of pink flamingos.