*Introduction to Temperate Forest*

What is temperate forest?

Temperate forest is forest that in temperate climate zone, it is also the home of some of the world’s largest living organisms, noticeably giant trees that could reach over 100 meters in height. Tree species in temperate forests can either be coniferous (needle-leaf) or deciduous (drop leaves every year). In some parts of the world, it is common to find mixed temperate forest that has both broadleaf and needle-leaf species. The word “temperate” suggests the climate condition of where this type of forest grown is not extreme (when compare with the most extreme climate). However, in some of the temperate forests, especially for those in the high latitude areas, winter can last over 5 months and barely have more than 180 days that are frost-free.

The Temperature-Precipitation Graph of a City (43°52′N 126°33′E) in Temperate Forest Zone

The deciduous species prevail in areas with relatively mild winters. The coniferous species are more common in areas with more extreme winters. The most humid period of the year for most of the world's temperate forest are summers, and the precipitation ranges between 650mm to over 3000mm. For forests that receive annual rain fall over 1400mm, we describe them as "temperate rainforest".

Where are they?

Temperate forests exist between 30°and 55°latitude. It covers much of the areas of Eastern Asian, North American and European continents of the latitude zone. The majority of the temperature forest biomes now lies between 40°and 50°latitude. There are much more temperate forest in the northern hemisphere than the south. 

Temperate Forest (Green) in the World.

How does it different from other forest type ?


When compare with tropical forest, temperate forest is easily distinguished by it four-seasons character. Tropical forest usually just have rainy season and dry season. However, temperate forest in some ways are very similar to its close neighbour - boreal forest. They both can experience severe winters with heavy snows. The boundaries between boreal and temperate forests are always subject to debate. In general, boreal forest is charactered by the dominance of needle-leaf trees, and its usually shorter in heights. Unlike temperate forests that are distributed around the world, there are only two major boreal forest biomes that existed on Eurasia and North America continents.

The distribution of Boreal Forests.

Reference

Alaback P.B. (1991), "Comparative ecology of temperate rainforests of the Americas along analogous climatic gradients.: Rev. Chil. Hist. Nat. 64: 399–412.
http://www.mendeley.com/research/comparative-ecology-of-temperate-rainforests-of-the-america-along-analogous-climatic-gradients/

Molles M. C. Jr., (2010), "Ecology: Concepts and Applications", New York: McGraw-Hill, Chap. 2.