Forest
Forests are one of the main terrestrial ecosystems along with the tundra, taiga, deserts and grassland ecosystems. In turn, forests are divided into:
- Temperate deciduous forests are dominated by trees that lose their leaves each year. They are found in areas with warm, moist summers and mild winters. Europe is one of the three major areas of this forest type. The diversity of tree species is higher in regions where winters are milder, and in mountainous regions that provide an array of soil types and microclimates.
- Temperate coniferous forests are located in temperate regions of the world with warm summers and cool winters, and rains suitable for forest growing. Evergreen conifers predominate in most temperate coniferous forests, but some are a mixture of coniferous and deciduous evergreen trees or deciduous trees.
- Tropical rainforests can be found in areas with a tropical climate in which there is no dry season. They rarely extend more than 10 degrees north or south of the equator and are not typical for Europe.
Forests serve many functions. Primarily, they protect and form natural resources. Through the process of photosynthesis, forests renew the oxygen supply in the atmosphere by absorbing atmospheric CO2 and moderating the greenhouse effect. Forests provide an environment for many species of plants and animals, thus protecting and sustaining the diversity of nature.
The noise levels reduction, the wind strength decrease, absorption of dust and gases, the regulation of surface water runoff, and the prevention of erosion are other extremely important functions of forests. Through the performance of the above functions, forests stabilise the climate and shape the landscape. Furthermore, forests are popular areas for relaxation and recreation.
In many cases, the way in which forests are managed and used by human beings results in overall benefits for the environment, helping to preserve, and sometimes even increase, biodiversity and landscape value, in addition to their role in soil quality protection and water regulation.
Some practices, however – especially those associated with the intensive use of forests for large-scale pulp production – can have a detrimental environmental impact.
