Alpine tundra is a type of natural region or biome that does not contain trees because it is at high elevation, with an associated harsh climate. As the latitude of a location approaches the poles, the threshold elevation for alpine tundra gets lower until it reaches sea level, and alpine tundra merges with polar tundra.
Hikers traversing the Franconia Ridge in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, much of which is in the alpine zone.
Alpine tundra in the Venezuelan Andes
Summer in Northern Sweden's Tarfala Valley with its alpine climate
Alpine tundra just above the tree line in Kosciuszko National Park, Australia
Alpine climate is the typical climate for elevations above the tree line, where trees fail to grow due to cold. This climate is also referred to as a mountain climate or highland climate.
White Mountain, an alpine environment at 4,300 metres (14,000 ft) above sea level in California