Geography of Mindanao (Philippines)

The southernmost island of the Philippine archipelago, Mindanao, is the second-largest (after Luzon). It is encircled by the Bohol, Philippine, Celebes, and Sulu seas. It has an irregular shape and stretches 324 miles (521 km) east to west and 293 miles (471 km) north to south. The Davao and Moro gulfs in the south and Iligan Bay in the north deeply indent the island, which is characterized by peninsulas. The Cotabato and Surigao peninsulas extend south and north, respectively, while the long, semi-circular Zamboanga Peninsula (west) reaches south-westerly toward the Sulu Archipelago and Borneo.

A Muslim outpost in the largely Roman Catholic Philippines is Mindanao. Despite the fact that Muslims no longer constitute the majority, Islamic culture is still clearly visible; there are numerous mosques and distinctive brassware is produced, notably the kris, or dagger. Mindanao has been referred to as the nation's "pioneer frontier" due to its vast tracts of fertile, undeveloped territory.

Physical Features

About 98,000 km² (38,000 sq. mi), or 33% of the Philippine territory, is taken up by Mindanao, making it greater than, to name a few, the Netherlands, South Korea, and Austria. Ten mountain ranges, two plateaus, and numerous low, swampy areas make up Mindanao's diverse topography. The majority of the island is covered with sporadic mountain ranges, although the Soccsksargen region in the central and eastern regions of the island has the most mountainous terrain. Although there are some peat bogs and rainforests throughout most of Mindanao, they have primarily been removed for farming and a few oil palm plantations.

One of the three groups of more than 7,100 islands in the nation—the other two are LUZON and Visayas—is Mindanao. There are 400 islands in the southern Mindanao group. A third of all land in the Philippines is made up of the island of Mindanao, which is nearly the size of INDIANA. Davao, which is frequently referred to be the world's largest city in terms of land size (943.5 square mi or 2,443.6 square km), is 20 miles (32 km) to the west of Mount Apo, where it has its highest peak. With its irregular, lengthy, twisting coastline punctuated by several peninsulas, promontories, and bays, some of which are very large and gorgeous, Mindanao is located in an area of earthquakes and volcanic activity.

Climate

Mindanao is a tropical island with average yearly temperatures of 80 degrees Fahrenheit (27 degrees Celsius) and 77 percent relative humidity. The summer monsoon, which lasts from May to November, is the wet season. The dry season, on the other hand, lasts from December to April. Despite the highlands protecting much of Mindanao, typhoons frequently occur from June to October, when rainfall is at its heaviest. The lowlands receive roughly 80 inches (203 cm) of rainfall on average each year.

The population, environment, and agriculture of Mindanao are predicted to suffer as a result of climate change. The catastrophic climate events occurring in Mindanao are already being related to variations in the earth's temperature. Typhoons like Typhoon Washi, Typhoon Bopha, and Typhoon Rai in December 2021 are among these climate events. The Island of Mindanao suffered greatly as a result of the storms.

Valleys, Rivers, and Plains

Two sizable lowland regions can be found in Mindanao in the valleys of the Rio Grande de Mindanao in Cotabato City and the Agusan River in Agusan. There is some evidence that the Agusan Valley is along a broad syncline that connects the east coast mountains to the central mountains. This valley is 20 to 30 miles (32 to 48 km) wide and extends 110 miles (180 km) from south to north. The watershed between the Agusan and the tributaries of the Libuganon River, which flows to the Gulf, is located 35 miles (56 km) north of the head of Davao Gulf. This divide's elevation is much below 200 meters (660 feet), demonstrating the lowland's nearly continuous character from the Mindanao Sea in the north to the Davao Gulf.

Lakes

In Lanao del Sur, one such plateau is largely occupied by Lake Lanao. The lake is essentially triangular in shape, has a base that is 18 miles (29 km) long, has a surface that is 780 meters above sea level, and is surrounded on the east, south, and west by a series of peaks exceeding 2,300 meters. It is the largest lake in Mindanao and the second largest lake in the entire country. The Agus River, which feeds the Maria Cristina Falls, divides Marawi City, which is located at the northernmost point of the lake. Malabang, 15 miles (24 km) south of Lake Lanao, is home to another waterfall site on the island of Mindanao. Here, the 200-hectare national park development's entrance is marked by one of the country's picturesque wonders: the Jose Abad Santos Falls. The Limunsudan Falls, which are in Iligan City and rise to a height of about 800 feet (240 meters), are the highest waterfall in the Philippines.

Plateaus

In the provinces of Bukidnon and Lanao del Sur, there are a number of highland plateaus that serve as another significant physiographic division of Mindanao. These plateaus are rather large and nearly encircle a number of the volcanoes in this region. Basaltic lava flows, tuff, and volcanic ash are interspersed throughout the plateaus. The plateaus' margins are marked by steep gorges, and several of these places have waterfalls that plunge down to the slender coastal plain. These falls have a lot of potential for the growth of hydroelectric power.

At Maria Cristina Falls, one such location has already established itself as a significant producer. The gently rolling plateaus, which are located at an average elevation of 700 meters above sea level, provide relief from the coastal lowlands' frequently stifling heat.

Mountains

Mindanao's mountains, which include both volcanoes and mountains with complicated structural features, can be divided into ten ranges. Broad exposures of Mesozoic rock can be seen in the structural mountains on the island's extreme east and west sides, while Ultrabasic rocks can be seen at the surface in numerous locations along the east coast. Other areas of the island are mostly made up of volcanic or sedimentary rocks from the Cenozoic and Quaternary periods. From Bilas Point in Surigao del Norte to Cape San Agustin in Davao Oriental, the eastern part of the island is home to a complicated mountain range known as the Diwata Mountains in its northern region.

In its middle, this range is low and rolling. From Talisayan in the north to Tinaca Point in Mindanao's farthest south, a second north-south mountain range stretches across the island. Two dormant volcanoes, Mount Talomo at 2,893 meters (9,491 feet) and Mount Apo at 2,964 meters (9,724 feet), are located west of Davao City. The Philippines' highest point is Mount Apo. This centre mountain belt, which runs south of Mount Apo, is a little lower in elevation than it is to the north, with peaks averaging only 1,100 to 1,800 m.

Conclusion

The Philippines' second-largest island, Mindanao, is the country's most significant island in terms of size. It has an uneven shape with peninsulas and gulfs cutting into its shoreline and is encircled by multiple seas. The terrain of the island is varied, with mountains, plateaus, plains, and valleys. Tropical weather with rainy and dry seasons occasionally accompanied by typhoons can be found in Mindanao.

The plateau area contains Lake Lanao, the second-largest lake in the nation. The island's distinctive geography is influenced by the mountain ranges, which contain dormant volcanoes like Mount Apo. Despite obstacles, Mindanao is the Philippines' first frontier because of its lush land and lack of development.

Frequently Asked Questions

How big is Mindanao in relation to other nations?

With almost 33% of the Philippine area, Mindanao is larger than nations like the Netherlands, South Korea, and Austria.

What are Mindanao's main geographical characteristics?

In addition to a coastline with peninsulas and gulfs, Mindanao has mountains, plateaus, lowlands, valleys, and lowlands.

What is the weather like in Mindanao?

The average annual temperature in Mindanao is 80 degrees Fahrenheit (27 degrees Celsius), making it a tropical region. Typhoons hit the region between June and October, and it has wet and dry seasons.

What is the name of the Philippines' second-largest lake and where is it situated?

Lake Lanao, which is situated in the plateau area of Mindanao, is the second-largest lake in the Philippines.

What is Mindanao's highest mountain's name, and where is it situated?

Mount Apo, in Mindanao to the west of Davao City, is the tallest mountain in the Philippines.