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How do the eastern and western slopes of the Ruwenzori Range differ?
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East African mountains
Mountains and lakes of East Africa.
The eastern and western slopes of the Ruwenzori Range differ significantly in their topography and climate:
- Topography: The range descends steeply to the west into the Western Rift Valley, whereas the descent to the east is more gradual, leading toward the uplands of western Uganda.1
- Permanent Snow Line: The elevation of the permanent snow line varies by side, standing at approximately 14,800 feet (4,511 meters) on the eastern slopes and 15,900 feet (4,846 meters) on the western slopes.1
- Human Activity: The lower eastern slopes are inhabited by the Amba and Konjo peoples, who utilize the land for cultivating crops such as beans, sweet potatoes, and bananas.1