A fellfield or fell field comprises the environment of a slope, usually alpine or tundra, where the dynamics of frost (freeze and thaw cycles) and of wind give rise to characteristic plant forms in scree interstices.[1]
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The freeze-thaw cycles tend to push plants out of the soil. In addition, the high porosity of the soil makes a fellfield a difficult place for plants to grow.[1] Fellfields often have typical patterns of rocks: lines of rocks that have been pushed out of the soil, and slid into a low region.[2]
In botany the term "fellfield" describes an ecoregion, ecosystem, habitat, or plant community. The term frequently used is alpine fellfield. Fellfield is usually applied to an alpine tundra region of high altitude mountains, or high latitude islands, and the alpine plants there.[2]
Fellfields are typically populated by an alpine flora of cushion plants: perennials that grow close to the ground, with a long taproot. Cushion plants are well-adapted to the dryness and short growing season of a fellfield. Cushion plants often have profuse blooms and hairy foliage (to retain moisture). Examples of cushion plants include the lupines and buckwheats.[2]
Some geologists find it is controversial to share the term for biology and geomorphology applications.[2]