tierra helada definition
Tierra Helada. the general term for the high-elevation zone (greater than 3,200â3,500 m) in intertropical latitudes of Central and South America. The tierra helada is usually above the timberline and includes the subnival and nival natural zones. The topography shows a predominance of tablelands, mountain ridges, and volcanic cones. The subnival zone of equatorial latitudes has high-elevation moist equatorial meadows known as paramos. There are grasslands in the subequatorial latitudes and semideserts in the tropical latitudes. The snow line ranges from 4,500â4,700 m below the equator to 6,500 m in interior regions below the tropic of Capricorn.