Lake Kivu topographic map
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Lake Kivu
A study of evolutionary genetics showed that the cichlids from lakes in northern Virunga (e.g., Edward, George, Victoria) would have evolved in a "proto-lake Kivu", much older than the intense volcanic activity (20,000-25,000 years ago) which cut the connection. The elevation of the mountains west of the lake (which is currently the Kahuzi-Biega National Park, one of the largest reserves of eastern lowland (or Grauer's) gorillas in the world), combined with the elevation of the eastern rift (located in eastern Rwanda) would be responsible for the drainage of water from central Rwanda in the actual Lake Kivu. This concept of "proto-lake Kivu" was challenged by lack of consistent geological evidence, although the cichlid's molecular clock suggests the existence of a lake much older than the commonly cited 15,000 years.
About this map
Name: Lake Kivu topographic map, elevation, terrain.
Location: Lake Kivu, Western Province, Rwanda (-2.50034 28.83531 -1.58348 29.38198)
Average elevation: 1,857 m
Minimum elevation: 1,397 m
Maximum elevation: 3,015 m
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