Some ecological characteristics of higher tropical mountains

Abstract

The climatic conditions, soils, and plant life of the high mountains of the tropics, above 3000 m elevation, are described based on available literature and some observations. Compared to lower elevations, there is increased incoming and outgoing radiation, temperature and relative humidity radiation are very pronounced, evaporation is high, the soils are unstable, and a peculiar geometric arrangement of rocks often occurs due to continuous erosion and thawing. Voids affect the heat balance in the soil. The presence of vegetation belts in the mountains is noted, which often display many physiognomic similarities in different geographic areas. The highest altitudinal limits for plants in different regions are noted. The "pillow" growth of plants is described, and the factors that produce it are briefly discussed.