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
Flora and fauna: Vegetation is dominated by mosses, lichens, grasses, and dwarf shrubs; trees are sparse or
Human use and conservation: Tunturimaastot are central to Sámi reindeer herding in some regions and are popular
Climate change: Warming alters snow duration, vegetation zones, and permafrost stability, impacting hydrology and habitat. Ongoing