The Tien Shan Mountains are the northernmost range of the Eurasian high mountain system in central Asia. They form the southern rim of the Kazakhian steppe. The continental climate (hot summers, very cold winters) creates sharp moisture contrasts depending on slope exposure. S-slopes are mostly too dry for forest formation, so treelines are largely seen on N-slopes. The upland plains are deforested and grazed (transhumance).

1 - Picea schrenkiana treeline ecotone with uppermost trees at 2800 m

2 - Picea schrenkiana and Juniperus pseudosabina, 2600 m

3 - Deforested highlands turned into pastureland with some remnant forest patches, 2600 m

29 August 2011
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