Massenerhebung Effect

When big things hang out together, they change the rules. This is clearly witnessed in what in geography is called the massenerhebung effect, a phenomenon where treelines are typically higher and trees are typically taller on mountains in close proximity to other mountains.

Trees make visible what might otherwise remain unseen because they’re unable to move. The mountains protect each other, manipulating the environment, affecting such things as the rate of wind, and heat and water retention. The tree growing up in the middle of a mountain range reaches higher than the same tree found on the fringe or on isolated mountains where it is more exposed. Tall trees show privilege, short trees shows resilience.