Boreal forest

Subarctic boreal forest, vital for the planet, is at risk.

The boreal forest, which is second only to the Amazon in terms of its vital role in ensuring the future of the planet, encircles the Arctic — and it is in just as much danger from climate change as the South American rainforest.

The boreal forest is the planet’s second-largest biome stretching in an unbroken pattern that covers an extensive 20 million hectares.
The forest is also referred to as Taigaor the snow forest.
Along with the tropics, the boreal forest is both a major depository and at times a major source of carbon.
The tree cover is extensive in most parts of the forest and close to form a canopy beneath the mosses.
But in some areas, trees occur with an undergrowth of different lichens called lichen woodland.
The forest also has diverse climate patterns and different species of fauna.

This biome is only located in Northern Hemispheres at latitudes between 60° and 50° North.
These are vast forests in a belt around the Northern Hemisphere, including Scandinavia, Russia, and Canada.
In the United States, boreal forests occur in central Alaska and northeastern Minnesota.

Boreal forests are dominated by species of spruce, fir, pine, larch, birch, and aspen.
Their forest floors are usually covered with mosses and many species of wildflowers.

The distinguishing climatic features are long winters with five to seven months of snow cover and a short cool summer.
July mean temperatures fall between 13 and 18 degrees Celsius .
- If summers are cooler than this temperature range, trees are unable to complete their summer growth cycle, and tundra is the dominant vegetation.
- If summers are warmer, temperate forest trees such as maples and oaks become dominant.

The precipitation of the boreal forest is seen as snow falling in winter and rain during short periods of summer.
The forest consists of areas that are permanently frozen while other areas are moist due to vast spongy mosses that absorb excessive water.
Most rainwater and melted snow find their way into wetlands where they become trapped and accumulate.
Permafrost can occur in some areas where the ground is permanently frozen preventing plant growth.

The boreal forest stores enormous quantities of carbon.
It possibly stores more than the temperate and tropical forests combined. Much of Carbon is stored in peatland.
Only 12% of boreal forest is protected around the globe and over 30% has already been designated for logging, energy and other development.

Accumulating loss and fragmentation of natural forest biotopes due to increasing anthropogenic pressures
Rising temperatures and more unpredictable weather patterns altered boreal landscapes in numerous ways.
Warmer temperatures and a higher proportion of droughts increase the frequency of forest fires beyond traditional levels.
This amplifies the ability of pests such as the pine beetle to expand into previously untouched forest ecosystems.
Melting of permafrost

Content Source: The Hindu