Dajti Explained

Dajti
Map:Albania
Elevation:1613m (5,292feet)
Prominence:939m (3,081feet)
Isolation:36m (118feet)
Coordinates:41.3668°N 19.9237°W
Region:Central Mountain Region
Settlement Type:Municipality
Settlement:Tirana
Range:Skanderbeg Mountains
Age:Cretaceous, Paleogene, Miocene
Type:massif
Geology:limestone, flysch

Dajti is a mountain located in central Albania, just east of the capital, Tirana. Part of the Skanderbeg Mountains range, it stretches from Shkalla e Tujanit in the northwest to Qafa e Priskës in the southeast, at a length of 8km (05miles) and a width of 5km (03miles). Its highest peak, Maja e Dajtit, reaches a height of 1613m (5,292feet). Other peaks include Maja e Cem Rrumit 1571m (5,154feet) and Maja e Tujanit 1531m (5,023feet).[1]

Geology

Composed primarily of Cretaceous and Paleogene limestone, with notable karst formations, its upper section is barren of vegetation while the lower section, up to 600m (2,000feet), consists of flysch. The undulating mountain ridge features a steep eastern slope and a western slope that gradually descends onto the plain of Tirana, highlighted by an ancient marine terrace known as Fusha e Dajtit, formed during the Miocene era.[2]

Climate

Dajti experiences a cool mountain climate with temperatures averaging 12C at heights of about 1000m (3,000feet). Temperatures are the coldest during the month of January (3.2C) and the hottest during July (20.4C). The average amount of precipitation is 1520mm, a good amount of which is accumulated snow.[3]

Biodiversity

The western slope of the mountain consists of three distinct vegetation belts. The lower belt, up to 600m (2,000feet), is covered by Mediterranean shrubs like strawberry tree, juniper and heather; the middle belt, ascending from NaNm (-2,147,483,648feet), is dominated by an oak forest; the upper belt, above NaNm (-2,147,483,648feet), is covered by a mixture of beech and conifer trees. The peak of the mountain is devoid of vegetation and serves as the base for RTSH's central antenna.

On the eastern slope, the vegetation changes, with a smaller Mediterranean shrub area and the presence of oaks, chestnuts, and other trees which are absent on the western slope.

The section of the mountain and its surrounding habitat are designated as a national park.[4]

See also

Notes and References

  1. Book: Buda. Aleks. Fjalori Enciklopedik Shqiptar. 1985. Akademia e Shkencave e RPSSH. Tiranë. 166.
  2. Book: Kabo. Mevlan. Gjeografia Fizike e Shqipërisë. 1991. Qendra e Studimeve Gjeografike. Tiranë. 178-180. 1.2.
  3. Kosovrasti . Albana . Zhvillimi i qëndrueshëm i komunave Dajt dhe Bërzhitë . Universiteti i Tiranës (Departamenti i Gjeografisë) . 2014 . 40 .
  4. Web site: Parku Kombëtar Mali i Dajtit . akzm.gov.al . Agjencia Kombëtare e Zonave të Mbrojtura . 4 July 2023.