Hydrologic Cycle

After discussing the formation and origin of the fabled and "lost world" of Mount Roraima, it is important to talk about the unique and ever-changing climate at the tallest tepui of the Pakaraima mountain chain, as well as its effect on the hydrologic cycle of its environment.

Mount Roraima is a very unique part of our world and is mesmerized upon by many for its extremely high mesa cliffs, blackened and sculpted by wind and rain that expose its white and pink quartz crystals. The mountain is also surrounded by a lush rainforest that is endemic to many species of flora and fauna. However, its most gazed-upon characteristic is that it is home to some of the tallest waterfalls in the entire world, rightly named Roraima Falls. 

The climate at Mount Roraima is fickle, but more often than not, the regions atmosphere is home to very moist air from the rainforest. Then, combined with the warm, tropical climate, heavy rain clouds are created and spread all across the summit of the tepui chain, causing frequent downpours and rain showers. 

Moist rain clouds billowing across the mountain chain

Due to the nearly daily rain that the mountain receives, millions of liters of rainwater are drained due to overland flow. This not only makes the soil and vegetation at the top of the cliff extremely bleak, but it weathers the cliffs sides to form torrents for said waterfalls that take a descent down 400 meters worth of cliff. 

(Side note: Since Mount Roraima is very little disturbed by human kind, this weathering is the only type of weathering the mountain sees -- and hopefully will keep the beautiful area preserved for longer!)

Rainwater sweeping down the side of Mount Roraima's tall cliffs

A closer view of the tepuis process of draining rainwater

At the bottom of the cliff, sinkholes, rivers, and small pools are formed from groundwater. 

Pools of groundwater are a popular spot for visitors, hikers, and backpackers

http://www.worldtoptop.com/roraima-falls/

http://wikitravel.org/en/Mount_Roraima

http://www.geographical.co.uk/Magazine/Guiana_-_Nov_08.html

http://www.summitpost.org/roraima-s-venezuelan-side/96693