Tree line

Tree line above St. Moritz

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Tree line

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Low Arctic tundra map

Distribution of Plants in a Perpendicular Direction in the Torrid, the Temperate, and the Rigid Zones 1848 Alexander Keith Johnston

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Bistrishko-Branishte

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Treeline In The Tararuas

Tree line or timberline is the edge of the habitat at which trees are capable of growing. Beyond the tree line, trees cannot tolerate the environmental conditions (usually cold temperatures or lack of moisture). The tree line appears as a boundary that separates the forested regions of a mountain or polar area from the non-forested or alpine regions. The term "tree line" is often used interchangeably with "timberline" and "forest line."

Types of Tree Lines

There are several types of tree lines observed around the world, each determined by specific environmental conditions:

• Alpine tree line: This type occurs at high elevations on mountains where cold temperatures limit tree growth. The altitude at which the alpine tree line occurs can vary significantly depending on the latitude, atmospheric conditions, and local topography.

• Arctic tree line: Found in the high latitudes of the northern hemisphere, this tree line marks the boundary beyond which trees cannot grow due to the extremely cold climate of the Arctic.

• Antarctic tree line: Similar to the Arctic tree line but located in the southern hemisphere. Due to Antarctica's cold desert climate, the Antarctic tree line is more of a theoretical concept, as virtually no trees grow there.

• Desert tree line: Occurs at the edge of deserts, where lack of sufficient water limits tree growth.

Factors Influencing the Tree Line

The position and appearance of the tree line are influenced by several factors:

• Temperature: Cold temperatures limit the growth of trees by affecting photosynthesis and cellular respiration. The temperature at the tree line is usually around the point where the mean temperature of the warmest month is approximately 10°C (50°F).

• Moisture: In arid regions, lack of moisture can create a desert tree line. Trees require adequate moisture for growth, and their absence marks the transition to desert landscapes.

• Soil quality: Poor soil conditions, such as lack of nutrients or poor drainage, can limit tree growth and contribute to the formation of a tree line.

• Wind: Strong winds can physically damage trees and reduce the temperature further, making the environment inhospitable for tree growth.

Ecological Significance

The tree line represents a significant ecological boundary. Above this line, the vegetation changes dramatically from dense forests to alpine or polar vegetation, including shrubs, grasses, and mosses. This transition zone is home to a unique set of plant and animal species adapted to the harsh conditions.

Human Impact

Human activities, such as logging, mining, and climate change, can impact the natural tree line. Global warming, in particular, has been observed to cause an upward shift of the tree line in various parts of the world, as higher temperatures allow trees to grow at previously inhospitable higher elevations.

See Also

• Alpine tundra
• Taiga
• Montane ecosystems
• Climate change and ecosystems