Alpine snow glade

Thin soil, harsh winters, and cool summers with bright sun.

Alpine glades are released late from their snowy cover.  Supported at first by meltwater from above, dwarfed plants emerge, flower, and disperse seeds at a frantic pace in a season often prematurely ended by August drought.  Look to your right and note scattered trees in the distance.  Winter winds and summer drought restrict young trees.  Trees grow in a stunted, gnarled growth form called Krumholz.  Better protected areas become forest

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