Snow. A Natural History; an uncertain Future

Abstract

Alpine and subalpine environments are extremely restricted in Australia, with the highest peaks of the Australian Alps occurring well below the theoretical altitudinal range necessary for a permanent snow cover. The alpine environment also suffers from a lack of continuity, emphasized by the break between the mainland and Tasmanian alpine communities. There is a major concern for the snow country of Australia and the organisms which inhabit, and are totally dependent on, the snow. These environments are under threat from predicted global warming from the enhanced greenhouse effect, leading to a loss of snow cover. Australia is facing the loss, not just of snow, but of the alpine ecosystem itself.