Language Arts

Alpine Ecosystems

Alpine ecosystems are located above the alpine treeline and are characterized by harsh environmental conditions such as low temperatures and short vegetation period. Alpine habitats are hot-spots for biodiversity and provide key ecosystem services. Developing under extreme environmental conditions, alpine ecosystems are highly susceptible to changes in climate or land-use. Furthermore, climate warming has been more dramatic in the arctic and alpine zone than in most other terrestrial ecosystems. Therefore, alpine ecosystems deserve our special attention with respect to ongoing environmental changes.