Mountain climate: what is, characteristics, types, flora and fauna

The mountain climate is a characteristic type of climate of high regions, such as mountain ranges and mountains. This climate is mainly distinguished by low temperatures and climatic variabilitywhich can change dramatically in short periods of time. As it rises at altitude, the temperature decreases, at approximately 6.5 ° C per 1,000 meters, which is known as vertical thermal gradient.

The mountain climate has a significant impact on biodiversity and the lives of people who inhabit these areas, since it requires adaptations both in flora and fauna, and in human activities, such as agriculture and tourism.

We recommend reading our article about how the mountains are formed.

The mountain climate has several distinctive characteristics that differentiate it from other types of climates:

Low temperatures and thermal variability

One of the most outstanding features of the mountain climate is the low temperature, which decreases as it rises at altitude. This generates a fresh or cold atmosphere during most of the year, especially in the highest areas.

Varied rainfall

The quantity and type of precipitation in mountainous areas depend on the altitude and mountain orientation. The areas that are on the barlovent side, that is, the part of the mountain that faces wet winds, usually receive more rainfall in the form of rain or snow. On the other hand, the cassoters, which are protected from the wind, can be drier.

Presence of microclimates

Due to the complexity of the mountain terrain, the mountains house a variety of microclimates. These are small climatic systems that are developed in limited areas due to factors such as orientation, slope and altitude.

Marked year stations

In the mountains, the stations of the year are usually very well defined, although they vary in duration and intensity according to the altitude. Winters are usually long and cold, with abundant snowfall, while summers are shorter and more fresh.

Strong winds

The mountains are usually areas of strong winds due to the injured topography that alters normal air circulation patterns. These winds can be constant and cold, especially in tops and ridges, and can increase the thermal sensation of cold.

These are some of the most common types of mountain climates:

• Alpine climate: The alpine climate is found in the high mountains, usually above the tree line. It is characterized by cold temperatures throughout the year, with long and snowy winters, and short and fresh summers. The vegetation is scarce, limited to pastures and alpine plants adapted to low temperatures and rocky soil.
• Wet mountain climate: This climate is found in mountains located in tropical and subtropical regions, where moisture is high. Temperatures are softer compared to alpine climates, but precipitation is abundant throughout the year, with frequent rains and mists.
• Mediterranean mountain climate: In the mountainous regions close to the Mediterranean areas, the Mediterranean mountain climate is characterized by wet and fresh winters, and dry and warm summers.
• Desert mountain climate: This climate is found in mountains that are located in desert or semi -arid regions. Despite the altitude, temperatures can be quite high during the day, with cold nights due to thermal radiation. Precipitation is very low, and vegetation is scarce, adapted to dryness and large daily thermal variations.
• Tropical mountain climate: This climate is found in mountains located in tropical regions, such as the Equatorial Andes or the Mountains of Eastern Africa. Temperatures are relatively constant throughout the year, with a more pronounced daily thermal range than the annual.

• The mountain weather flora is extremely diverse and is adapted to extreme altitude conditions, low temperatures and climatic variability. Depending on the altitude and the specific type of mountain climate, plants develop a series of adaptations to survive and prosper in an environment that can be hostile for other life forms.
• In the lower parts of the mountains, where temperatures are moderate And precipitation is more abundant, dense forests are found. These forests can vary from Coniferous forests until Template and tropical forestsdepending on the geographical region. In these other posts we talk about the tempered forest: characteristics, flora and fauna and tropical forests: characteristics, flora and fauna.
• In temperate and cold climatesas in the Alps or the rocky mountains, the Coniferous forestswith species such as pines, firs and cedars. These plants are adapted to the cold with needle -shaped leaves that minimize water loss and resist winter conditions. You can learn more about coniferous forests: characteristics, flora and fauna here.
• In Tropical mountainssuch as the Andes or the Mountains of East Africa, are found cloud forests. Fog or cloudy forests are perpetually wrapped in mist and have a high humidity. The vegetation is very dense, with high trees covered with mosses, ferns, and epiphytes such as orchids and bromelias.
• Above the trees line, where the conditions are harder, the Alpine grasslands and grasslands They become the type of dominant vegetation. In alpine regions, pastures and grasses are common.
• In the higher altitudeswhere the weather resembles the arctic tundra, the vegetation is reduced to mosses, lichens and small plants herbaceous that can resist extremely cold temperatures and strong winds.

• Mountain climate fauna is equally diverse and specialized, adapting to extreme conditions of altitude, low temperatures and climatic variability.
• Mammals living in the mountains have developed various adaptations to survive in cold climates and high altitudes. Many species have a thick and insulating fur that helps them maintain body heat at extremely low temperatures. The fur can also change color seasonally, providing camouflage in winter snow. There are some animals that have metabolic adaptations that allow them to accumulate fat during the warmest stations and enter hibernation during winter, reducing their metabolic activity to preserve energy. As examples they are Bears, marmotes, foxes, lynx and deer.
• Birds like The Andean Condor and the Royal Eagle They have large and powerful wings that allow them to plan on high height air currents. These large predators take advantage of mountainous conditions to hunt from the air, and their acute views allow them to detect dams to long distances.
• Some insects, like certain Beetles and butterfliesThey have developed glycoproteins in their blood that act as antifreeze, allowing them to survive in temperatures below zero.
• Another example is moth caterpillars that live in alpine mountains can spend several years in a larval state, resisting the cold until conditions are appropriate to complete their development.

In this link you can discover more mountain animals.

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