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The altitude of timberline varies around the globe. The two main factors are latitude and global climate patterns. Near the poles, the timberline is at sea level. The generally colder temperatures, extremely harsh winters, and lack of overhead sunlight prevent trees from growing in these regions.

As you near the equator, the altitude of timberline increases. The highest known timberline is around 16000 feet. Generally warmer climates, less extreme seasonal shifts, and more overhead sunlight allow trees to survive at higher altitudes in the tropics.

Even at the same latitude, timberlines may vary. As a general rule, the timberline on the western slope of a mountain range in the United States will be higher than the timberline on the eastern slope due to increased precipitation as warm moist air is pushed up by the mountains. The drier climates found on the eastern slopes of the same ranges are not as conducive to tree growth.

Long term climate shift will gradually move timberlines, but this takes a very, very long time. Seeds from trees will often lay dormant for years before even sprouting, and take many more years to grow into an appreciable "tree," especially at extremely high altitudes. A warm or cold shift for a few decades will not have a noticeable impact, but over the course of several centuries, the line may shift a little.

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15y ago

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