Much of the biomass of these plants is concentrated in the roots, which is primarily why these mats are formed. Alaskan alpine areas are all affected by glaciers in one way or another. Although in some areas the glaciers themselves are still visible, the rest of the alpine areas show results from past glaciation. U-shaped valleys are a prime example of what glaciation leaves behind. Cirques are bowl-shaped heads of glacially eroded valleys.
Tarns are high alpine lakes or ponds that result after the glacier retreats up the valley.
Moraines, composed primarily of till, come in many different variations. Terminal moraines are formed at the furthest extent of a glacier's advance down a valley. Lateral moraines are formed along the sides of a glacier. Medial moraines are formed between two converging glaciers. Till and outwash are the result of the immense scouring power that glaciers have.