Rain forest in Pacific Rim National Park, Vancouver Island, British Columbia

Physical Environment: Temperatures are 5°C–25°C, on average, and winters are mild, but there is abundant rainfall, usually exceeding 200 cm a year. The condensation of water from dense coastal fogs augments the normal rainfall.  Location: The coverage of this biome type is small, consisting of a thin strip along the northwest coast of North America from northern California through Washington State, British Columbia, and into southeast Alaska (here called Tongass). It also exists in southwestern South America along the Chilean coast. Indeed, it is found only in coastal situations because of the moderating influence of the ocean on air temperature.  Plant Life: The dominant vegetation type, especially in North America, consists of large evergreen trees such as western hemlock, Douglas fir, and Sitka spruce. The high moisture content allows epiphytes to thrive. Cool temperatures slow the activity of decomposers, so that the litter layer is thick and spongy.  Animal Life: In North America, the temperate rain forest is rich in species such as mule deer, elk, squirrels, and numerous birds such as jays and nuthatches. Because of the abundant moisture and moderate temperatures, reptiles and amphibians are also common.  Effects of Humans: This biome is a prolific producer of wood and supplies much timber, although logging threatens the survival of the forest in some areas.