Alpine Tundra, Eagle Summit, Alaska by Chris Fastie

Nikkor 55-200mm VR AF-S f/4-5....

The top of Eagle Summit is 4,000 feet above sea level, and 1,000 feet above treeline. Although nothing can grow taller than the winter snowpack in this harsh environment, there is relatively high species diversity, especially where the ground stays damp as in the foreground of this view. The rocks and bare soil were not exposed by erosion, but were pushed out of the ground by frost action. Periglacial geomorphic movement still operates here, but some of the sorted stone patterns are probably relicts of the Pleistocene. Eagle Summit is in the White Mountains about 100 miles northeast of Fairbanks, AK.

The plant identifications in my snapshots are made by one who considers taxonomy to be more of a sport than a science. Feel free to challenge my calls.