Explain Snow line and Timberline.

The snow line and timberline are two important ecological boundaries found in mountainous regions, representing distinct transitions in vegetation and climate.

1. Snow Line (or Snow Limit):
   The snow line refers to the elevation above which snow persists throughout the year or for a significant portion of the year. It marks the boundary between areas where snowfall accumulates and areas where snow melts quickly or does not accumulate at all. The snow line varies depending on factors such as latitude, altitude, slope orientation, and local climatic conditions. In general, the snow line is higher in colder regions and lower in warmer regions. It plays a crucial role in determining the extent of snowpack, which in turn influences water availability, river flow, and ecosystem dynamics in mountainous regions.

2. Timberline (or Treeline):
   The timberline, also known as the treeline or tree line, is the elevation above which trees are unable to grow due to harsh environmental conditions, such as low temperatures, high winds, and short growing seasons. The timberline represents the upper limit of forest vegetation and marks the transition between forested and alpine ecosystems. Above the timberline, vegetation is typically sparse and consists of shrubs, grasses, and hardy plant species adapted to cold and windy conditions. The exact elevation of the timberline varies depending on factors such as latitude, altitude, slope aspect, soil conditions, and local climate variability. In general, the timberline is higher at lower latitudes and lower in colder, higher-altitude regions. The timberline is an important ecological boundary that influences biodiversity, carbon storage, and ecosystem services in mountain ecosystems.

Both the snow line and timberline are sensitive indicators of climate change, with shifts in these boundaries observed in response to warming temperatures and changing precipitation patterns. Monitoring changes in the snow line and timberline can provide valuable insights into the impacts of climate change on mountain ecosystems and help inform conservation and management efforts in these vulnerable regions.