A
fellfield or
fell field comprises the environment of a slope, usually
alpine climate or
tundra, where the dynamics of
frost (freeze and thaw cycles) and of
wind give rise to characteristic plant forms in
scree interstices.
Soil dynamics
The freeze-thaw cycles tend to push plants out of the soil. In addition, the high
porosity of the soil makes a fellfield a difficult place for plants to grow.
[ Fellfields often have typical patterns of rocks: lines of rocks that have been pushed out of the soil, and slid into a low region.][
]
Botany
In botany the term "fellfield" describes an ecoregion, ecosystem, habitat, or plant community. The term frequently used is alpine fellfield. Fellfield is usually applied to an alpine tundra region of high altitude mountains, or high latitude islands, and the there.
Flora
Fellfields are typically populated by : that grow close to the ground. Cushion plants are well-adapted to the dryness and short growing season of a fellfield. Cushion plants often have hairy foliage and long , to gather and retain moisture. Examples of cushion plants include the and .[
]
Fellfield species
Some geologists find it is controversial to share the term for biology and geomorphology applications.[
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See also