Editing Wank (mountain) (section)

==Physical characteristics==
The mountain's geology, which is dominated by [[calcareous]] rocks, is typical of the [[Bavarian Alps]]. Its climate is also typical of the region. Precipitation is high, ranging from about {{convert|1300|mm|in}} at valley level to {{convert|1800|mm|in}} at the summit. It peaks in the summer and is lowest in winter. The Wank's mean annual air temperature ranges from {{convert|7|C|F}} in the valley to {{convert|3|C|F}} at the summit. The prevailing wind comes from a westerly direction but for about 30 to 40 days a year the mountain experiences a warm, dry [[föhn wind]]. A local wind system also operates in the area giving a daily uphill/downhill circulation. [[Inversion (meteorology)|Inversion layers]] occur for about 30 days per year, predominantly in the autumn and winter.<ref name="Rennenberg" />

The Wank was originally covered by a forest consisting of a mix of [[spruce]], [[fir]] and [[beech]] trees. A process of man-made deforestation that began in the [[Roman Empire|Roman]] period, when the trees were cut down and the mountain's slopes were grazed by horses, sheep, goats and cattle, resulted in much of the forest being destroyed by the 15th century. Forestry in the area was taken over by the Bavarian government in 1803 but the former forest cover did not regenerate due in part to the continued use of forest lands as pasture, storms and [[Browsing (herbivory)|browsing]] by game animals. As a result, the current Wank forest is predominantly spruce (about 75%) and [[pine]] (15%). Forestry programmes are currently underway to improve the arboreal diversity of the mountain.<ref name="Rennenberg" />