Abiotic Descriptors of the alpine biome
The Alpine Biome consists of the upper portions of mountain ranges across the globe, ranging from the tops of coniferous forests at lower altitudes to the freezing wind and snow at the rocky mountain tops. The average temperature is under 10 °C (50 °F) all year, with most precipitation being in the form of snow.
The Alpine climate is influenced by many factors, but most important is the high altitudes that are unique to this biome. The heights ensure that any precipitation that does reach the ground will be snow. This combined with the cold temperatures year round keeps the mountain tops covered in a perfect shade of white. The sides of mountains are also prone to avalanches, another defining characteristic of the biome. This explains some of the exposed rock one may see on the sides of mountains. The slope of the mountain may also be too much for snow to cling on.
Soil in the Alpine Biome is very poor, mostly due to the lack of plants and animals on the slopes of the mountains, leaving few organic nutrients for the soil. The soil is also covered in snow, making it impossible for seeds of sunlight to get through. When the soil is truly exposed, the high altitudes create high winds, blowing much of the soil away before it has a chance to support plant life.