Alpine meadow

Alpine meadows are distinctive mountain pastures found above main and lateral valleys, typically located between the tree line and the permanent snow line. These areas are characterized by lush vegetation that thrives in the challenging conditions of high altitudes, including significant root biomass stored below ground to survive harsh environments.12

The plant life in alpine meadows is adapted to cold, wind, and limited moisture. While forests of spruce, larch, and pine dominate lower elevations, hardy species like the Arolla pine grow at higher limits. Above the tree line, glacially eroded areas are covered with these meadows, which are crucial for grazing livestock during the short summer months.1

However, these meadows face threats from invasive weeds, pollution from animal waste, and erosion due to human activities like ski development, which limit their carrying capacity. Global warming has also led to an upward migration of plant species in these zones.1