Introduction

The Bering Glacier is located in the southeastern part of Alaska and is one of the largest glaciers in North America. It stretches over 1900 square miles and is believed to be around 5,000 years old. Due to its unique location and climate, the Bering Glacier supports a variety of plants and trees that are adapted to survive in such extreme conditions. In this article, we will explore what kind of plants and trees grow on Bering Glacier.

Vegetation Zones

The Bering Glacier has various vegetation zones that are dependent on the altitude and proximity to the glacier. The first zone is the subalpine zone that consists of shrubs, lichens, and mosses. The second zone is the alpine tundra zone that is characterized by low-growing plants such as sedges, lupine, and willows. The third zone is the glacier forefield zone that is made up of herbaceous plants such as fireweed, buttercup, and yarrow. The fourth zone is the glacier terminus zone that is barren and rocky with no vegetation present.

Shrubs

The subalpine zone of the Bering Glacier is dominated by various shrubs such as willow, alder, and blueberry. These shrubs are adapted to survive in harsh conditions such as low temperatures and strong winds. They have a deep root system that helps them to absorb nutrients from the soil and hold them firmly in place. The shrubs also provide shelter and food for various animals such as caribou, moose, and bears.

Lichens and Mosses

Lichens and mosses are the most common plants in the subalpine zone of the Bering Glacier. They can survive in extreme temperatures and use the nutrients available in the air and soil. They play an important role in the ecosystem as they improve soil quality and provide cover for other plants to grow. Lichens and mosses also have medicinal properties, and many indigenous people in the area use them for various purposes.

Low-growing Plants

The alpine tundra zone of the Bering Glacier is home to low-growing plants such as sedges, lupine, and willows. These plants are adapted to survive in harsh conditions with very little nutrients and moisture available. They have shallow root systems and can grow in rocky soil. These plants also provide food and shelter for various animals such as ground squirrels, marmots, and ptarmigan.

Herbaceous Plants

The glacier forefield zone of the Bering Glacier is characterized by herbaceous plants such as fireweed, buttercup, and yarrow. These plants are adapted to grow in nutrient-rich soil and can quickly colonize areas that were previously barren. They provide important food sources for various animals such as hares, voles, and lemmings. They also help to stabilize the soil and prevent erosion.

Conclusion

The Bering Glacier is a unique ecosystem that supports various species of plants and trees adapted to survive in extreme conditions. The different vegetation zones of the glacier provide habitat for a diverse range of animals and play an important role in maintaining the ecosystem's balance. Understanding the plants and trees that grow on the Bering Glacier is crucial in protecting this fragile ecosystem from the impacts of climate change and human activities.