Abstract

As usually defined, the Massenerhebung or mountain mass elevation effect means the occurrence of physiognomically and sometimes floristically similar vegetation types at higher altitudes on large mountain masses than on small isolated peaks, especially those in or near the sea. Although the effect was first reported in the European Alps (Schroeter 1908) and in North America (where it is known as the Merriam Effect; Martin 1963), it is best known in the tropics. Perhaps its clearest expression is the occurrence of tropical mountain cloud forest (TMCF) (upper montane rain forest) at lower altitudes on isolated peaks than on the main mountain masses, which are taken as the norm (Figure 1).

Full Text
Paper version not known

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.