Wind
Most people consider mountain peaks as very windy. This is a misconception for mountains in general, because statistically mountain regions are less windy than the plains (particularly coastal planes). Interior ranges and valleys of mountain systems are comparatively calm and so are tropical mountains in general. It is only the very exposed peaks or ridges which are open to very high winds. Highest wind speed occurs between 40 and 50° latitude (roaring forties). The most important influence of wind on alpine biota is snow allocation.
1 -
Windswept
Pinus pumila
(left) on a ridge of Mount Norikura (Japan) contrasts with snow bed vegetation
(right).
Links
INSTAAR Tundra-Cam
- Webcam of the Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research (INSTAAR), University of
Colorado, which is located above timberline on Niwot Ridge, Rocky Mountains.
