tunturimaastot

Tunturimaastot, literally “fell landscapes,” are high, open, sparsely vegetated terrains typical of the Fennoscandian mountains and northern Finland. They present alpine and Arctic tundra conditions where wind, cold, and a short growing season limit tree growth. The terrain features bare rock, peatlands, scree, and shallow soils, with occasional ponds and small lakes. Shaped by glaciation, they form ridges, plateaus, and valleys.

Geography and geology: Tunturimaastot rest on ancient bedrock, including granitoids and metamorphic rocks, sculpted by repeated ice ages. Elevations define expansive, windswept terrain with low temperatures most of the year. In many areas, permafrost is discontinuous, and snow cover persists well into spring.

Flora and fauna: Vegetation is dominated by mosses, lichens, grasses, and dwarf shrubs; trees are sparse or absent. Mammals and birds include reindeer, arctic fox, ptarmigan, willow grouse, and various migratory species adapted to cold, snow, and open habitats.

Human use and conservation: Tunturimaastot are central to Sámi reindeer herding in some regions and are popular for hiking and winter sports. They are protected within national parks and nature reserves across Finland, Sweden, and Norway, safeguarding landscape values, biodiversity, and cultural heritage.

Climate change: Warming alters snow duration, vegetation zones, and permafrost stability, impacting hydrology and habitat. Ongoing research monitors changes in Lapland and the broader Fennoscandian mountain areas.