Life in the Alpine Zone

Transcription

1 Life in the Alpine Zone

2 Conditions change as elevation is gained.

3 For every 1,000 foot increase in elevation, temperature drops about 3-5 degrees Fahrenheit and precipitation increases approximately 8 inches a year, much of it in the form of snow.

4 The elevation of Fryeburg is ~400ft The elevation of Mt. Washington is 6,288ft What would the temperature difference be?

5 For every 1,000 foot elevation increase, it is like traveling 230 miles north. Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, pictured below, has a climate equivalent to the summit of Mt. Washington.

6 Plants that survive in the valley cannot survive above treeline. What characteristics would you use to describe the trees pictured below?

7 As you move up a mountain, you can slowly begin to see the types of trees change as in this photo, where coniferous trees begin to play an important role in the forest composition.

8 Eventually, an elevation is reached where trees can no longer grow tall but instead spread flat.

9 There is a 7.5 square mile area of alpine tundra on Mt. Washington and surrounding peaks that are a result of the extreme conditions that are found there.

10 What are these EXTREME CONDITIONS?

11 Clouds obscure the summit more than half of the time. The wind blows on average 35mph. It has snowed every month of the year on Mt. Washington. The record low for the summit is -46 F (excluding wind chill), the record high was 72 F.

12 IT S NOT EASY TO BE ME!!!!!

13 Map Lichen Lichens slowly erode the rock creating soil and making the conditions conducive for plant growth.

14 Flagging

15 Krummholtz

16 Rime Ice

17 Rime ice on the antenna atop a summit building

18 Alpine azalea grows in a matted form, low to the ground, allowing for the best use of available moisture and warmth.

19 Where are the warmest temperatures?

20 WIND!!! More or less windy close to the ground?

21 Crevice communities take advantage of both of these factors as well as moisture attainment in establishing themselves in these specific locations.

22 Evergreen leaves with waxy coatings is another strategy for plant survival.

23 Flowers may be smaller in the Alpine zone, but they still need to be fragrant and bright in order to attract pollinators.

24 Robbin s cinquefoil, shown below sending out taproots in order to get any available nutrients and water.

25 Old Trees!

26 As hikers, we are frequently reminded of the types of conditions expected in this area and how we need to be well-equipped before we venture above treeline.

27 In the mountains a very clear day can quickly become a stormy, rainy day in no time. Keeping an eye on approaching storms and knowing the weather forecast is very important.

28 Being prepared for any excursion in the mountains is essential. Notice the conditions on Washington in this picture require coverage of all exposed skin with hats, hoods, balaclavas, mittens, etc.

29 What do we need to carry with us?

30 Plenty of food and water, clothing including a warm coat, hat, gloves, rainwear, extra socks, proper footwear are essential, with extras like binoculars or a camera added.

31 A basic first aid kit is essential. Band-aids, moleskin, ace bandages, and even a simple splints can make a huge difference in the case of an emergency.

32 Last but not least, a map of the area in which you will traveling, a compass, and a guidebook are all important tools to have with you on your hike.

33 Knowing how to use them is also important to avoid situations such as this.

34 It is always important to stay on the trail while hiking. This trail has been rerouted and the tree in the way has been put there purposely to indicate it.

35 Above treeline, cairns like these mark the trail.

36 One of the most severe impacts to fragile life above treeline comes from hikers trampling plants and lichen. When lichen is already damaged as in the photo below

37 One approach is to outline the damage with rocks, keeping hikers from entering the area and giving the lichen time to grow back.

38 A great deal of effort is made to get water to run off the trail instead of pooling on the trail.

39 These water bars divert water off to the side of the trail where it is more readily absorbed by the forest floor.

40 One of the best approaches for protecting this area is through education. Explaining to hikers why the work is being done and that walking lightly in these fragile areas is important goes a long way.

41 In all seasons the alpine environment are worth exploring. Autumn

42 Winter

43 Spring

44 Summer

45 And remember to enjoy the views!