Monday, December 29, 2008

Mountain vs. Hill



When my friend Ruth visited, I took her kayaking in Clear Lake. As a good host, I pointed out various features in and around the lake. When I pointed to Mount Konocti and identified it, she look perplexed and queried, "Are you talking about that hill?" I stammered and replied that it was our mountain and that it even would get snow in the winter. She shook her head in disbelief. I was happy to see the following from the Academy of Sciences, "The difference between a mountain and a hill is poorly defined, but a mountain typically refers to a landmass that projects more than 1,000 feet above its surroundings." Since Mt. Konoct is slightly over 4,000 feet, I herald it as a proper mountain. The Academy of Science website goes on to say,
"Mountains are landforms that rise at least 1,000 feet above the surrounding landscape. Taller mountains intercept moving clouds, forcing rain and precipitation onto their slopes. Most of the world’s rivers are fed by mountain sources. Half of humanity depends on mountains for drinkable water. Although temperatures grow cooler at higher elevations, life thrives at every level of the montane environment, from the surrounding lowlands to highest mountain peaks." These past few weeks have afforded us wonderful opportunities to be spectators of the dancing changes of clouds, colors and weather on our beloved mountain. I'm thankful for the mountain and all the wonderful people working to place it in conservancy.




1 comment:

graceonline said...

I suppose if you grew up in the Rockies, you might think it a hill, but it's a mighty lovely mountain whatever your perspective.

Wasn't there a movie in the Eighties about a hill that became a mountain? Hugh Grant? Irrelevant, I know.

I love your photographs. Crisp.