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Mount Rainier - Tundra
One of the many volcanic mountains of the Pacific Northwest, Mt. Rainier was established as a national park in 1899. It is the highest mountain in the Cascade Range at over 14,000 feet in altitude. Surrounding the peak are many permanent glaciers, tundra, and alpine ecosystems. Scientists believe the volcano used to be over one thousand feet higher, but due to a series of explosions, the top was blown off. Surrounding the volcano you will find meadows, old-growth forests, and many lakes and rivers. Don't think you're safe on the volcano. Not only are there risks hiking on moving glaciers, Mt. Rainier is still and episodically active volcano. No one knows when it may erupt again. This area near Burrough's Mountain is classified as tundra. While you may think of places such as Alaska and Siberia as places with tundra, tundra biomes can also occur as you move above the tree line on mountainsides. There are no bushes or trees, most of the plants are small mosses, lichens, and dwarf species. The animals you find at these elevations are suited for these altitudes. Mountain goats forage off the rocks and small plants when they are easily accessible in spring. Winter months bring a snow pack that often covers their food supply. Image Credit: Rader, Andrew Rader Studios, Geography4Kids.com Download Wallpaper: 800 x 600 | 1024 x 768 Return to galleries: Earth from Space | Land Biomes | Aquatic Biomes |
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Go for site help or a list of earth science topics at the site map!©copyright 1997-2008 Andrew Rader Studios, All rights reserved. Current Page: Geography4Kids.com | Physical Geography | Wallpapers | Mount Rainier National Park |
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