Above timberline, the thermal regime of the soil is characterized by seasonal frost or even permafrost. In the latter case, Cryosols are frequent. The dominant soil types of the subnival belt are Leptosols and Regosols. Under alpine meadows, better developed Cambisols, Histosols and Podzols are frequent. The well developed Podzols at high elevations seem to be relicts of warmer temperatures during the Early Holocene Climatic Optimum.