Where does alpine tundra occur on mountains?

Alpine tundra occurs in mountainous regions worldwide at high elevations where environmental conditions—specifically low temperatures and strong winds—prevent the growth of trees.1

This ecosystem is typically found above the timberline, where the transition from mountain forest to shrub- and herb-dominated tundra occurs over a relatively short vertical rise of approximately 100 metres (330 feet). The specific elevation at which this transition takes place varies globally; it is generally higher near the Equator than it is toward the poles.21

Within these high-altitude zones, alpine tundra is characterized by a mosaic of microclimates influenced by factors such as soil drainage, snow cover, and topography. Vegetation is often sparse, with plant life restricted to areas where soil and moisture can accumulate, such as gentle slopes, basins, or the lee side of ridges. Vascular plants in these environments typically reach their upper limit at or just below the line of permanent snow.2