Arctic fell field refers to a specific type of ecosystem found in the Arctic region. It is a subarctic or arctic tundra landscape characterized by low vegetation cover, consisting mainly of sparse grasses, mosses, lichens, and dwarf shrubs. The term "fell" comes from the Old Norse word "fjall," meaning mountain or highland, depicting the elevated nature of these fields.
Arctic fell fields are typically situated on high altitudes, such as mountain slopes, ridges, or plateaus, where cold temperatures, strong winds, and limited moisture availability prevail. Due to these harsh conditions, plant growth in arctic fell fields is inhibited, resulting in a low and scattered plant cover over the predominantly rocky or gravelly terrain.
These habitats are specifically adapted to the short growing season and extreme cold temperatures of the Arctic. The slender and low-growing plants in the arctic fell fields have unique features like fine leaves, hair-like structures, or water-storing tissues to conserve water and withstand freezing temperatures. The exposed nature of the fell fields makes them vulnerable to wind erosion, frost heaving, and freeze-thaw cycles. The vegetative cover of arctic fell fields is often patchy and varies with microtopography and soil moisture availability.
Arctic fell fields are crucial ecosystems as they harbour a variety of specially adapted plant and animal species, many of which are unique to this environment. They play a significant role in carbon cycling, nutrient cycling, and supporting a range of local fauna, including grazing herbivores like reindeer and Arctic hare. Protecting the integrity of arctic fell fields is of utmost importance due to their ecological value and vulnerability to climate change and human activities.
