The tree line, also known as timberline, is the boundary of the territory at which trees are able to grow. Further than the timberline, trees are not capable of growing because of unsuitable environmental conditions (commonly cold temperatures, lack of moisture, or not enough air pressure).
There are various classifications of tree lines as defined in geology and ecology. Alpine tree line is the highest altitude that maintains trees while desert tree line is the driest areas in which trees can develop. Desert-alpine timberline is the area with higher altitude above the concentration column. Double tree line is often found in mountain ranges far from deserts or oceans while exposure tree line is on isolated mountains and coasts. Antarctic tree line is the farthermost south in the Southern Hemisphere that trees can grow.
When it comes to world distribution, timberlines are classified into three: Alpine, Arctic, and Antarctic tree lines. The alpine timberline is dependent on limited variables, such as rain shadow, aspect of incline, and proximity to whichever geographical pole. Furthermore, in some island or tropical regions, the insufficiency of bio geographical admission to species that have developed in a sub-alpine surrounding can result in lesser tree lines. On the other hand, polar tree lines or Arctic tree lines are greatly influenced by limited variables such as degree of shelter and aspect of slope. Moreover, permafrost has a chief effect on the capacity of trees to set down roots into the ground. Antarctic tree lines are areas where trees are unable to survive because the climate is very harsh and the area is very exposed to wind. |
