Alpine ecosystems of the northern Rocky Mountains
Taber RD, Hoffman RS, Nimlos TJ, Bamberg SA. 1961. Alpine ecosystems of the northern Rocky Mountains. Bulletin of the Ecological Society of America. 42(4):140
This report is based on four years of study on seven alpine areas widely distributed through west central Montana and one in northern Wyoming. These areas fall into two main groups on the basis of parent material - soft rock (two areas) and hard rock (six areas). Minor land forms in all areas are modified by Pleistocene and current frost action. Current frost action depends on soil moisture and in turn influences soil moisture through snow accumulation. A series of plant communities is found in each of the groups, the main factor differentiating communities being soil moisture during the growing season.These communities are described quantitatively within and between alpine areas. Vertebrate animals are dependent upon given plant communities and in turn may modify them. Distribution and populations of alpine vertebrates have been studied in detail. Invertebrates h:we been sampled. The distribution of alpine soils is correlated strongly with plant communities. These soils have been described and their developmental relationships investigated. Their correlation and analysis is in progress. Where possible, comparisons have been made with relevantalpine and arctic situations elsewhere.b
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Taber, Richard; Hoffman, Robert; Nimlos, Thomas; Bamberg, Samuel
- Units
- GLAC
- Keywords
- Alpine Zone, Ecology, Ecosystems, Rocky Mountains