Afellfield orfell field comprises the environment of a slope, usuallyalpine ortundra, where the dynamics offrost (freeze and thaw cycles) and ofwind give rise to characteristic plant forms inscree interstices.[1]
The freeze-thaw cycles tend to push plants out of the soil. In addition, the highporosity 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]
Inbotany the term "fellfield" describes anecoregion,ecosystem,habitat, orplant community. The term frequently used isalpine fellfield. Fellfield is usually applied to analpine tundra region of high altitude mountains, or high latitude islands, and thealpine plants there.[2]
Fellfields are typically populated bycushion plants:perennials that grow close to the ground. Cushion plants are well-adapted to the dryness and short growing season of a fellfield. Cushion plants often have hairy foliage and longtaproots, to gather and retain moisture. Examples of cushion plants include thelupines andbuckwheats.[2]
Some geologists find it is controversial to share the term forbiology andgeomorphology applications.[2]