Temperate Rainforest

The temperate rainforest is a biome of cool but rainy weather which promotes the growth of enormous trees.

Climate

  • Mild and wet

Rainfall

  • Rainfall: at 200 cm/yr (rain or snow)

Temperature

  • Temperature: Between 5-20°C

Regional Expressions

  • Northwest coast of North America, southern Chile, New Zealand, portions of southeast Australia

Above: A Whittaker Graph showing where temperate rainforests occupy this abiotic space, based on precipitation and temperature

Flora

  • Evergreen coniferous trees (Redwoods, Douglas fir, Sitka spruce, Hemlock)

  • Understory of deciduous trees

  • Mosses and lichens abundant