subnival

English

Etymology

sub- +‎ nival

Adjective

subnival (not comparable)

1. (botany) Growing, or capable of growing, underneath snow.
2. (botany) Normally found growing just below the snowline and above the treeline.
3. (especially botany, of habitats) Of an altitude, latitude or sort that is just below that which would be covered by snow.
   • 1971, Meteorological and Geoastrophysical Abstracts, volume 22, issues 1-6, page 447:

     In this way, the subnival mountain range on the southern facet with its strong solifluction influence (level slope formation) approaches in height the nival mountain range on the northern facet, which is distinguished by its well developed glacial forms.