Landscapes & Weather Forests
Forests
In a forest, trees grow close to one another, forming a predominantly continuous canopy.
CanopiesCanopies are the ceilings of a forest, comprised of the branches and leaves of the tallest trees. The canopy absorbs and reflects much of the sunlight that strikes a forest, and shades the forest floor below. Coniferous ForestsThese habitats are full of coniferous trees such as firs, spruces, and pines. Deciduous ForestsDeciduous forests are known for trees that lose their leaves in preparation for winter, trees such as oaks, hickories, and maples. |
Rain ForestsHeavy annual rainfall is a defining trait of rainforests, whether the forests are in the tropics or in temperate zones; our images show a variety of rainforests from around the world. Riparian ForestsRiparian forests occur on the banks of rivers, streams, and lakes. These moist habitats receive an abundance of light on the water's edge, and may experience periodic flooding. Understories & Forest floorThe forest layer beneath the canopy is the "understory," where smaller trees are found. The layer beneath it is the forest "floor," home to low-lying vegetation, decaying logs and leaves. |
