Boreal Forest
Definition: A type of forest vegetation composed primarily of cone-bearing, needle-leaved, or scale-leaved evergreen trees, found in regions that have long winters and moderate to high annual precipitation
Geological Distribution:
Known as the taiga in Russia, the boreal forest is one of the largest biomes in the world. It covers about 12 million square kilometers around the globe.
Abiotic Factors:
Climate- The winters are long and severe while summers are short and often warm. The temperatures vary from -7° C (20° F) in the winter and 21° C (70° F) in the summer. Precipitation varies, from about 20 cm of precipitation per year to over 200 cm. Much of the precipitation is snow.
Soil Composition- soil in boreal forests are called podzols. This comes from the Russia word for ash (which is the color of the soil). The soil undergoes podzolization. This is when chemicals such as iron and aluminum are sifted through the soil to the deeper levels leaving the top layer with a sandy texture. Because the temperature is low, decomposing takes long. Soils are also very wet due to the trees that create shade making evaporation very slow.
Geological Distribution:
Known as the taiga in Russia, the boreal forest is one of the largest biomes in the world. It covers about 12 million square kilometers around the globe.
Abiotic Factors:
Climate- The winters are long and severe while summers are short and often warm. The temperatures vary from -7° C (20° F) in the winter and 21° C (70° F) in the summer. Precipitation varies, from about 20 cm of precipitation per year to over 200 cm. Much of the precipitation is snow.
Soil Composition- soil in boreal forests are called podzols. This comes from the Russia word for ash (which is the color of the soil). The soil undergoes podzolization. This is when chemicals such as iron and aluminum are sifted through the soil to the deeper levels leaving the top layer with a sandy texture. Because the temperature is low, decomposing takes long. Soils are also very wet due to the trees that create shade making evaporation very slow.
Biotic Factors (dominant species):
conical or spire shaped needle leaf trees (producers): These trees are adapted to the cold, physiological drought of the winter and the short-growing season.
Animals:
Threats:
The Boreal Forest suffers many threats including: air pollution from power plants and smelters, radioactivity from weapon testing and atomic power, adverse impact of new mineral and oil extraction, water pollution, disruption of habitats, and threats to endangered species. To keep these threats minimized, human activity inside and out of the boreal forest must be regulated better.
Photos used under Creative Commons from jerseygal2009, Andrew E Davies Watson Lake