Taiga also known as boreal forest or snow forest, is a biome characterized by coniferous forests consisting mostly of pines , spruces and larches.
Canada's boreal forest comprises about one third of the circumpolar boreal forest that rings the northern hemisphere, mostly north of the 50th parallel
The taiga is the world's largest terrestrial biome. It covers most of inland Canada and Alaska as well as parts of the extreme northern continental United States where it is known as the Northwoods.
Boreal forests are found in the northern hemisphere between 45º and 65º north latitude across Canada (snow above)and between 55º and 65º north latitude in Russia,Finland,and Scandinavia.
Boreal forests are found in the northern hemisphere between 45º and 65º north latitude across Canada (snow above)and between 55º and 65º north latitude in Russia,Finland,and Scandinavia.
The boreal forest experiences huge variations in both temperature and the availability of water. Day length also varies greatly and, in turn, affects temperature. Long winter nights allow radiation to escape from the surface of the Earth into the atmosphere. Snow cover contributes to a "positive feedback" effect - cold conditions encourage snow, snow reflects incoming radiation, more cooling takes place.
During winter, snow lasts for at least five months in the boreal forest regions. The forest helps counteract the cooling effect of snow by providing a rough dark surface which reduces the reflective cooling effect of smooth, bright snow. The mean temperature of January, the coldest month, is generally less than -10°C (14° F) across the boreal region. In these conditions the subsoil may be permanently frozen (permafrost) with only the top metre of soil thawing in the summer period. The summers, while short, are generally warm and humid. In much of the taiga, -20 °C (-4 °F) would be a typical winter day temperature and 18 °C (64 °F) an average summer day.Precipitation is 30cm to 85 cm.
During winter, snow lasts for at least five months in the boreal forest regions. The forest helps counteract the cooling effect of snow by providing a rough dark surface which reduces the reflective cooling effect of smooth, bright snow. The mean temperature of January, the coldest month, is generally less than -10°C (14° F) across the boreal region. In these conditions the subsoil may be permanently frozen (permafrost) with only the top metre of soil thawing in the summer period. The summers, while short, are generally warm and humid. In much of the taiga, -20 °C (-4 °F) would be a typical winter day temperature and 18 °C (64 °F) an average summer day.Precipitation is 30cm to 85 cm.
There is a short summer growing season of an average of 50 days . The terrain is often rough.Many marshes,shallow lakes,and wetlands hold vast amounts of water.The soil is also very wet.
Blue Jay
The Blue Jay is handsome, but noisy, mischievous, and inquisitive adding life to a forest at any time of the year, especially in winter when most other birds have moved south. Its raucous Jay, Jaycalls and Too-wheedle, Too-wheedle whistles are heard all times of the year, but is often noisiest in the autumn. The Blue Jay is omnivorous with a diet of fruits, insects, grains, and acorns, but, unfortunately, sometimes the eggs and nestlings of other birds.Habitat :Mixed and deciduous stands and parklands around inhabited areas.
The Blue Jay is handsome, but noisy, mischievous, and inquisitive adding life to a forest at any time of the year, especially in winter when most other birds have moved south. Its raucous Jay, Jaycalls and Too-wheedle, Too-wheedle whistles are heard all times of the year, but is often noisiest in the autumn. The Blue Jay is omnivorous with a diet of fruits, insects, grains, and acorns, but, unfortunately, sometimes the eggs and nestlings of other birds.Habitat :Mixed and deciduous stands and parklands around inhabited areas.
Weeping Willow
This willow derives its name from the distinctive "weeping" (drooping) foliage.
Native to China; introduced to Europe and North America as an ornamental; local from Quebec and Ontario south to mid-Atlantic States, west to California; but is quite common anywhere where moist soil conditions exist - gardens and parks.
This willow derives its name from the distinctive "weeping" (drooping) foliage.
Native to China; introduced to Europe and North America as an ornamental; local from Quebec and Ontario south to mid-Atlantic States, west to California; but is quite common anywhere where moist soil conditions exist - gardens and parks.