Mountain Area (Alpine, Montane, Nival and Remaining Moutain Area) | km²
The division of mountain areas into alpine, montane, nival, and remaining mountain areas can vary depending on the specific classification system and criteria used. These divisions are often based on elevation and climate characteristics. The exact areas for each category can also change depending on the region and geography in question. Here's a general overview of these categories, along with approximate global estimates of their respective areas in square kilometers (km²):
1 - Alpine Zone: The alpine zone is typically the region of a mountain where tree growth becomes limited due to the harsh climatic conditions at higher elevations. It is characterized by alpine meadows, rock, and snow. The elevation at which the alpine zone begins can vary but is often around 3,000 to 3,500 meters (9,800 to 11,500 feet) above sea level.
a - Approximate global alpine area: About 2.2 million km².
2 - Montane Zone: The montane zone is the area below the alpine zone but above the lowland or foothill regions. It usually contains forests and vegetation adapted to the cooler conditions at moderate elevations.
a - Approximate global montane area: This can vary significantly depending on local geography but could be several million square kilometers.
3 - Nival Zone: The nival zone is the high-altitude zone where snow and ice persist year-round, and plant life is limited or absent. This zone can extend to the highest peaks of mountains.
a - Approximate global nival area: About 400,000 km².
4 - Remaining Mountain Area: This category includes all other mountainous regions that don't fall into the alpine, montane, or nival zones. It encompasses a wide range of elevations, climates, and ecosystems, including lower-elevation mountains and foothills.
a - Approximate global remaining mountain area: This can vary widely depending on the specific criteria used and the region in question, but it is substantial.
Please note that these estimates are approximate and can vary based on the specific definitions and criteria used to categorize mountain zones. Additionally, the size of mountain areas can change over time due to factors like climate change and land use practices.
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